Working Memory’s Impact on Writing Skills

A concerned mother reached out to me regarding her son’s evaluation results and his writing skills. Her bright son, Max*, has strong verbal comprehension, visual-spatial, and fluid reasoning skills. However, his working memory and processing speed skills are in the … Continued

How to address the written aspect of processing speed

.. Processing speed is one of the most frustrating and misunderstood learning disabilities. Many students with slow processing speed are smart but can’t demonstrate their true intelligence on time tests. In addition, the slow processing speed makes homework laborious and … Continued

How to Help a Gifted Student who has Average Processing Speed and Working Memory Skills

I love my son and I want to make sure that he has everything he needs to succeed in school and in life. Last year I had to work hard to get an IEP for him due to articulation problems. Part … Continued

“I want to be like him!”

  Bryce wants to be like his friend who is excellent at soccer, can memorize anything quickly and always has a witty comment to share. So he asked me to explain how his brain works and what he can do … Continued

Writing Workshops for Students with High Verbal Skills and Slow Processing Speed

  Many parents have written to me in response to my post about the Frustration Profile: High Verbal Skills with Low Processing Speed.   That article was written four years ago and remains my top post. Many students with the Frustration Profile … Continued

Slow Processing Speed…is it due to weak motor skills, weak auditory processing skills or weak executive function skills?

Slow processing speed can be due to more than just weak motor skills. Sarah’s experience highlights some of the more complex factors that should be considered for a child with slow processing speed. Sarah is a diligent, athletic and caring … Continued

Do visual learners have more difficulty with language organization than verbal learners?

Visual learners think in images. Verbal learners think primarily in words. Visual learners see the whole picture all at once allowing them to see things from many perspectives. Verbal learners learn step by step and have a tendency towards analytical … Continued

How Does A Low Processing Speed Score Affect My Child?

Question: My 16 year old son has just had an evaluation and he was given the following scores on the test: 
 PRI 132, VCI 130, WMI 110, PSI 76
. I don’t understand how exactly this affects him, though I … Continued