Slow Processing Speed In Children And How To Improve It
Does it seem like your child is “slower” in processing information or completing tasks?
It is no secret that parents play a pivotal role in a child’s development — we have the ability to nurture their growth and support them in their learning journey.
As parents, our children are our greatest priority. A majority of parents will take it upon themselves to ensure that they set their children up for future success and that they are able to reach their fullest potential. Thus, when a child is demonstrating signs of slow processing speed in their early years, it can be a cause of worry for parents.
What is processing speed?
Processing speed is defined as the speed at which a person can take in new information, make a judgement about it, and then come up with a response. According to studies, the rate at which we process information increases as we get older, following an inverted U-shaped curve. This means that as we get older, our processing speed becomes slower but steadier. From childhood to adolescence, it increases in pace.
There is a common misconception that an individual’s processing speed is the same as their level of intelligence (IQ). While there are correlations between the two, they are two separate concepts! The Cognitive Proficiency Index (CPI) measures the interplay between processing speed and working memory. This CPI index examines how a person’s brain functions, not their knowledge or competence of certain facts. CPI difficulties resemble a car engine with all the necessary components but poor performance. Thus, if your child seems to be “slower” in processing information, it does not mean that they are not intelligent, but rather that they are having difficulty unlocking their fullest potential.
Signs of slow processing speed
Ideally, as a child grows older, their processing speed should increase. Some signs of slow processing speed in early childhood include, but are not limited to:
- Having trouble following directions or instructions with multiple steps
- Taking a longer time to complete tasks
- Struggling to respond to questions or follow conversations
- Struggling with time management
It can be easy to assume that children who move more slowly in these situations are unmotivated or lazy. But that is simply not the case when it comes to slow processing speed! Slow-processing children frequently desire to move more quickly but are unable to. Fortunately, children can improve their processing speeds with the right support and guidance.
Improving slow processing speed in children with brain training
You’d be glad to know that it is not the end of the world – there are ways to improve a child’s slow processing speed and cognitive abilities!
One of the most effective ways to do so would be to sign your child up for cognitive brain training in Singapore!
Brain training can help supercharge your child’s cognitive growth to reach their maximum potential by working on the underlying skills that the brain uses to function optimally. Through a series of interactive activities, children will be able to build upon a range of cognitive skills, including their visual and auditory processing speeds, attention, working memory, critical thinking skills, cognitive flexibility, creativity and more! Having a strong foundation in these cognitive skills will aid in a child’s academic and social performance significantly. To learn more about its benefits, check out our article on why early brain training is vital for children.
The Brain Academia Singapore is a learning enrichment centre that is dedicated to helping children overcome brain-related roadblocks that stop them from realising their full potential. We strongly believe that everyone may be empowered to take action toward success in business, life, and play through the development of their cognitive capacities. Our team of qualified cognitive therapists have worked with over 3,000 children aged 7 to 12 since 2005 and can help your child with our personalised cognitive training programmes.
Simply fill out this contact form to get in touch and begin your child’s journey with us!