Processing Areas

Central Processing Areas

Here are the key areas of processing that can be affected by learning disabilities:

• Visual processing
• Auditory processing
• Relational/Logical processing
• Conceptual/Holistic processing
• Processing speed
• Executive function

Visual Processing

This refers to how the brain processes visual information and includes skills like:

• Differentiating between visual stimuli
• Remembering visual details
• Filling in missing parts of a picture
• Visual-motor coordination
• Visualizing and imagining
• Organizing space (such as a room or desk)

Auditory Processing

This relates to how the brain processes sound, including the ability to:

• Distinguish between sounds
• Remember specific words or numbers
• Recognize common sound patterns
• Understand speech even when some sounds are missing
• Put together word parts

Relational/Logical Processing

This includes:

• Short-term memory for details
• Long-term retrieval of information
• Fine motor coordination
• Finding words for speech or writing
• Organizing thoughts and materials
• Writing mechanics (spelling, punctuation)
• Reading speed and decoding unfamiliar words
• Attention to detail

Conceptual/Holistic Processing

This involves:

• Memory for general themes or ideas
• Reasoning
• Spatial awareness
• General knowledge
• Hypothetical thinking
• Estimation and approximation
• Conceptual understanding
• Creativity and invention
• Reading comprehension

Processing Speed

Refers to how quickly the brain can process information:

• Short-term memory under time pressure
• Long-term recall under time pressure
• Speaking and recognizing words quickly
• Writing and reading speed
• Attention and reasoning under time pressure
• General reaction speed

Executive Functioning Skills

These skills include:

• Focusing on tasks
• Planning and anticipation
• Organizing thoughts and objects
• Following through and completing tasks
• Managing unstructured situations
• Adapting to changes in routine
• Controlling emotions