Identifying Children with Low Processing

by John Jaquith

Processing (both auditory and visual) is another area that is often found to be underdeveloped. An individual’s auditory and visual processing affects their short-term memory. If a child has low processing, it may appear that he is not listening to what is being said. The reality is that he is unable to process the information completely. Other symptoms that occur related to short-term memory/low processing include the following: difficulty following through on instructions from others, inability to remain in one’s seat, easily distracted, difficulty waiting for ones’ turn in game situations, problems with sustaining attention or shifting attention from task to task, difficulty playing quietly, and losing things necessary for task completion. Children with low processing can be identified by using a simple technique.

To check your child’s auditory and visual processing levels, you will need to administer a digit span test. To do this auditorily, dictate a sequence of numbers to your child. Say them slowly and in a monotone—about one second apart. For example, say: “6-4-3-7.” Then have your child repeat the numbers back to you in the same order. If she can correctly repeat four numbers in a row, try a sequence of five, then six, and so on. Take note of the sequence length she is able to complete without making a mistake.

To test your child’s visual processing, show her sequences of numbers on flashcards. They should be on 3×5 cards, written in dark solid ink, and shown to your child for approximately three seconds. After three seconds, put the card down and have the child repeat the numbers she saw on the card in the same order. Begin with a sequence of three or four numbers and increase the sequence size using new numbers and cards.

Take note of how long of a sequence she can do correctly. A three-year old should be able to complete sequences of three numbers (both auditorily and visually), a four-year old should be able to complete a sequence of four, a five-year old five, a six-year old six, a seven-year old seven, and adults should be able to complete a sequence of seven or more. If your child has low processing skills, you can help increase her skills by practicing the digit spans daily, thus increasing the brain’s ability to process information.

Reprinted from the Journal of the National Academy for Child Development. Used with permission.