Why A Processing Deficit Could Make In-Classroom Learning Difficult For Your Child

If your child doesn’t seem to be learning or processing information as quickly as their classmates, you might be worried that they’re falling behind in their education. However, what you might not realize is that their learning struggles could be due to something called processing deficits.

For some children, processing the world around them, especially a place as loud and complex as a classroom, can be extremely difficult. As a parent, you’re sure to want only the best for your child. So if you suspect your little one might be dealing with a processing deficit, here’s more information on the topic, including why a processing deficit could make in-classroom learning difficult for your child, strategies for students with processing difficulties, and ways you can help make classroom life easier.

What are processing difficulties?
Processing disorders are when a child (or adult) struggles to effectively use the information gathered by their senses. They do not mean that a child has impaired hearing or vision, or even lower levels of intelligence, as the issue stems from processing the information once it’s already been received by the senses.

Processing difficulties generally fall into three main categories:

• Auditory Processing Disorder (APD): APD is when a child has an inability to process, understand, and retain the information they’re hearing. In a noisy place like a classroom, the chatter of other students or even the teacher presenting a lesson can be confusing, especially if there are other background noises. A student with APD might mix up words, fail to understand verbal directions, or get confused. This disorder can be diagnosed by an audiologist.
• Visual Processing Disorder (VPD): In students with VPD, their brain struggles to process what they see. This makes it tough to manage spatial awareness, handle math equations, and understand the shape or color of objects around them. An eye doctor can help you learn more.
• Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD): SPD makes it hard for students to process sensory information like movement or touch. They may be scared of things like crowds, lights, smells, or certain textures. While SPD isn’t currently recognized as a medical diagnosis, your doctor should be able to help.

How can you tell if your child has processing difficulties? Often, you might notice things in your child’s behavior that seem out of the ordinary, such as difficulty in hearing, seeing, or coping with new situations. You can also ask your student's teachers to see if they have noticed any unusual behaviors.

If you’re worried that your child has a processing disorder, always speak to your pediatrician.

How classrooms can be challenging for students with processing difficulties
Imagine all the sights, smells, sounds, and colors of a classroom. It can be a lot for anyone to process, but for students with processing deficits, it can be overwhelming.

Large class sizes can make this even worse, with your child struggling to comprehend what’s being said and what’s expected of them. If a child is confused or doesn’t understand, they might lash out in anger, become withdrawn, or lose interest in school completely.

So how can you help students with processing deficits? Here are a few tips that can make things easier in the classroom and beyond.

Adjust their learning environment
How do you teach a child with a processing disorder? One of the best ways to help is by altering their learning environment, both at home and at school, if possible.

For example, a student with auditory processing disorder might do best in a quiet space, free from noise from TVs, people talking, or barking dogs. Create a place where your child can work and study in the best possible environment for their disorder.

For those with SPD, take into account the items that are likely to cause your child distress and remove them from their study area, so they can focus more on learning without distractions.

Talk to your child’s teacher about classroom seating as well, as a seat near the front of the classroom might make it easier for them to see and hear lessons.

Be patient and give them more time
Students with processing issues might not be able to complete tasks as quickly as other students. While it’s important to help your child understand time and time management, you also want to be patient and give them time to process, think, and act.

What matters is that they master the concepts they’re trying to learn. If it takes them a bit longer, that’s okay; simply remain encouraging, patient, and supportive as they work. Focusing on one task at a time can help as well, as juggling multiple tasks can become too stressful for some students.

More individualized attention can be beneficial too. If your child isn’t able to get this from their classroom, private tutoring can be a big help. This can give them more time outside of school hours to work on subjects and topics that their teacher is covering. With private lessons, they can catch up to other students in the classroom, or even get ahead.

Create a routine
For students with processing disorders, a daily routine can make a big difference. Consistent times for waking up and going to bed, studying, and focusing on reading, math, or homework can make it easier for them to process everything, as they know what to expect.

Develop a routine within the household where your child knows what to expect. If there are no distractions or disruptions on this front, learning to deal with their processing disorder can become a little easier.

Use technology as an aid
Don’t underestimate the importance of technology for students with processing deficits. Using technology as a tool can make learning much easier. There are plenty of apps that can help with things like time management, talk-to-type software, or dictation tools, which can help with conveying information to children in a way they can best understand.

With some research online, or via the help of the school, you should be able to find apps, tools, or online lessons that can help your child learn.

While processing deficits can create additional challenges when it comes to classroom learning, students can still go on to get top grades and do well in school, as long as they have the appropriate learning environment. Use this guide to help your child manage their processing deficit and they’re sure to be successful!

Featured image by Natasha Hall on Unsplash