Sections

Difficulties with Information Processing

Information Processing refers to the way we handle information.

Difficulties with Information Processing - adjustments to practice

Information Processing refers to the way we handle information. The information the body collects is sent to the brain which recognises it, understands it, responds to it and stores it; repeating this pattern hundreds and even thousands of times each day. Information Processing makes it possible for a person to complete all the tasks that are required in a given day, from brushing teeth to grocery shopping to watching TV.

Difficulties with Information Processing are not defined as:

the result of hearing loss;
the result of impaired vision;
an Attention Deficit Disorder or any kind of intellectual or cognitive deficit.

However, these difficulties are often seen in many individuals with Learning Disabilities and can often help to explain why a person is having trouble with learning and performance. The inability to process information efficiently can lead to frustration, low self-esteem and social withdrawal, especially with speech/language impairments.

Visual Processing Disorders

Visual Processing Disorders are also known as Visual Perceptual Processing Disorders.

They affect how the brain perceives and processes what the eye sees.
These disorders can occur without impaired vision of any kind.
Like all Learning Disabilities, Visual Processing Disorders can be a lifelong challenge.
People with Visual Processing Disorders have problems with the way they interpret information, but what others will notice in people with these disorders is the behaviour that happens after the difficulties occur.

Common Difficulties with Visual Processing Disorders:

Accurately identifying information from pictures, charts, graphs, maps, etc.
Organising information from different sources into one cohesive document.
Finding specific information on a printed page (for example, getting a number out of the phone book).
Remembering directions to a location.

Auditory Processing Disorders

Auditory Processing Disorders are often referred to as Central Auditory Processing Disorders (CAPD).

Auditory Processing Disorders can occur without any kind of hearing loss.
Auditory Processing Disorders affect how the brain perceives and processes what the ear hears.
Like all Learning Disabilities, Auditory Processing Disorders can be a lifelong challenge.
Many of the difficulties that are experienced by people with Auditory Processing Disorders are also common to people with Attention Deficit Disorders.
Auditory Processing Disorders may run in families.
Auditory Processing Disorders can affect a person's ability to interact socially.

Common Difficulties with Auditory Processing Disorders:

Talks louder than necessary;
Difficulties remembering a list or sequence;
Often needs words or sentences repeated;
Poor ability to memorise information learned by listening;
Interprets words too literally;
Difficulties hearing clearly in noisy environments.