It’s so overwhelming because then I realize because of all this there’s so much extra work I have to do for me to reach the bare minimum and it’s really stressful for me. I feel like I have no go home and reteach myself the entire lesson. I get really tired throughout the day while at school no matter how much sleep I get and that makes things even worse because trying to get my brain working and processing ANYTHING hurts. At some points I’ve been on the verge of crying because I’d actively be paying so close attention because I notice what’s happening and everything the teacher says flys past my head and I wouldn’t know what to do because I’m already doing the best I can to understand yet it still feels like nonsense
Damn man, I've just reached the age of 33 and just really realised, I'm having a real disability. I'm having literaly the same problem with that nonsense part.. It really hit me there! :S :(
I was studying from a UA-cam lecture and realised I forgot half of it even though I was paying full attention. I started crying. Not once but it has happened multiple times 😭
Me too! I've always said I'm the smartest dumb person I know. In grade 4 my teacher lifted me out of my chair and sat me on the other side of the room with the grade 3s. I was so embarrassed, it was also a new school for me, and I wasn't able to make friends after that.
@@mercedezz Same here tbh but I'm willing to fight it to get a job I really need (computer helpdesk technician...yeah ik its a fast paced job with communication, something im horrible at), is there any tips that helped you in the past that I can incorporate?
@Arvin Borkar hahaha i have had that alot still sometimes when someone talks i just forget what they were saying. But yes by meditating and just excercising your body and mind you will gain focus. And you will learn how to formulate your sentences better and listing to people will go easyer. And important thing is that you dont worry about it to much just let it go and try your best you got this bro
yep. i'm 31 and have struggled with workplaces that aren't accepting and patient. working with people with disabilities has allowed me to have more self acceptance. I still avoid certain situations because i process things more slowly and some fear people's reactions. sending everyone love
Hi Chris Coreas, We're sorry you're struggling with your learning and thinking differences. It can be frustrating to know that other people have an easier time of it than you might. But you should consider that while you might not be as quick as others, you might think more deeply about topics than they do. You may be able to make more reasoned decisions because you spend more time considering them. Rather than focusing on the drawbacks, you might find some solace in considering what you are good at. We hope this helps. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have other questions. Best, The team at Understood
I am this person, sadly I've never had the confidence to ask 'what does that mean?' In class In fact i never even had the confidence to ask anything like that because the idea never came to mind, To make matters worse my school never saw that i had any learning problems of any kind (i slipped the net), but school for me was 5 years ago and ever since then I've literally been letting life carry me on by day by day, it was only recently that i found out that i have lifelong specific learning difficulties and a very low brain processing speed, and the thought of how many years of the support that i should've had but didn't has scarred me for life
Thanks for your comment BadUK BASSMAN. You may want to check out the resources available through “One Stop” centers: www.servicelocator.org/ The Workforce Investment Act has created programs for adults with disabilities in every state. They have “One Stop” centers in each state that can help find the services, training and support you need. We hope this helps.
I remember in 5th grade learning about the industrial Revolution. I understood nothing. I really didn’t…. I’m 9th now and I’ve got it…just still don’t have a detailed understanding of the topic… Compared to my sister, she is now 5th and doing great at school. Much smarter than when I was 5th Why am I slow? I have a number of speculations but I don’t want to comment a huge wall of text… Anyways I 100% relate to your comment Just another thing I want to put forward is when I don’t understand a topic, I will naturally become smarter and understand it some months or a year later. Another thing would be you trying to explain to me in easy words…. I’m nervous for my HSC (even though it’s years away) I am just afraid my slow learning pace and all those learning gaps will interfere with my scores..
Why must there be people born with this kind of disadvantage? So that we can be some kind of a stepping stone for others who are without? I hate it here
Don’t know if I’m slow at processing things or just overthink things .I’ve always been last for everything my entire life. Even when I think I’m going quick I’m still slower than most.
Me too. I can tend to overthink things as well. I use to be the last one taking my tests in school. I usually made a high grade, but that’s only because I studied very very hard. I would have to reread the paragraphs over and over again because I wouldn’t fully remember what I just read. So frustrating!
Strange I have felt the same way my whole life except when I finally do learn something I dominate the subject. Example, I learned to type in school and was one of the slowest in my class when we started. By the end of the semester, I was the fastest in my class. It's strange
This is so relatable. I know that I have to work really harder than the rest of the people, and when I think about it, it demotivates me and I end up procrastinating. I've had enough of it.
Made me want to bawl my eyes out because this is something that affects me at a great deal and I’m still young but my parents are in denial, their child is not slower than the average person, they’re just lazy. The anxiety is wild because i feel that my life won’t workout as good as I want it to because I’m not being listened to. It’s especially worse when I had to accept being slow all on my own at around 16 years old and I have to work hard in order to succeed in school and go to university but I don’t know how to, I’ve only just had recognition for my issues.
Yea this is a huge problem for me every since i was born, thats why i hate school. I gave up on schopl cause its just to much of a pain when your brain takes triple the amount to process things then other people.
Hi Shazeen, Thanks for your comment. We understand how difficult this can be but know you're not alone. If speaking with your parents is not something you're ready for, consider speaking with an adult in your life you feel comfortable with. While Understood.org was written with parents in mind, you my find this piece helpful: I’m Concerned My Child Might Have Learning and Attention Issues. Now What? u.org/2a8583R You might also consider checking one of our partner programs, Friends of Quinn (www.friendsofquinn.com/ld-resources), an online community that offers resources and support for young adults with learning differences, as well as for the people who love them. Wishing you the best of luck!
It just seems so unfair to me too. why do we have to be the ones with the disadvantage in class? We have to work 3x harder than most to achieve sucess in school.
I have been suffering from this my whole life and we never really had a clue what it could mean but sense I’ve been diagnosed and am reading about it it makes a lot more sense. Also I accidentally watched this video twice because I forgot I watched it the first time lol
I tell people I'm a slow processor, and they don't get it because I'm also highly intelligent. I give people examples, including a college course that followed a simple premise I couldn't conceptualize until twelve years later, when it just popped into my head. I had been processing the whole time, and when I was done, there it was. I am the person who thinks of the right thing to say three days after a conversation. Now I am a shell-shocked extreme introvert. I have, however, succeeded in a few career choices, such as being an entertainer, and writing. I also am able to be quite empathetic with people who need help. I am thinking of getting a tee shirt that says, "Slow Processor" on it, so if I happen to get trapped into conversing with anyone, I can point and explain, though I'm sure they'd forget in a hot second because it probably doesn't pertain to them and they can't relate. Sad story of my life.
I relate to some of this very strongly. I also have a slow processing speed, but very strong reasoning abilities. It takes me a really long time to fully consider an idea, and I also think of things to say well after a conversation is over.
Thankyou for this video. Recently it’s gotten to the point where my anxieties about being so slow in everything i do and learn is taking over my life and just hearing that this is what some others also experience makes me feel a whole lot better about myself.
I'm 30, and i recently discovered that I have ADHD, and slow processing speed, I have been dealing with alllll of these issues all my life. Now it feel worst. I cant maintain any work because of this. When I try to listen to someone I cant undersant what are they saying even, I don't have phonological consciousness. Its horrible!
I’m a slow learner. I’m slow in everything like even someone’s tells me to do something easy. I get embarrassed, I cry a lot, sometimes I wish that I was never born. Honestly it hurts seeing myself like this. I’m 20 years old now. Am I gonna be successful in 5 years 🥺
@@TopperPenquin But, anxiety can also result from slow processing. For example, if someone cannot process information efficiently, or have apparent concentration lapses because of their disorder, that will make them stressed and anxious because they know that they have something blocking them from achieving what they set out to do. Then, it is likely that the stress and anxiety created from this could then contribute to more slow processing, as that person has just added to their mental burden. Hence a vicious cycle begins which must be broken. A diagnosis of slow processing and beginning the journey to address or cope with this can help alleviate anxiety.
@@robmackay3761 what u described is exactly what i am experiencing specially the vicious circle part plus completely lacking confidence , man am a physician its a job that involves dealing with humans and reassuring them about their health , so its very tough , i get recurrent moods of depression and anxiety because of this , its better for me when i have the mindset of not caring about how i look infront of others whether i look stupid or awkward , not giving a damn makes it better although sometimes u couldnt escape the emotions of this.
You're lucky. That means you can do something about it. Anxiety deffinitely affects processing speed, but if you have a real processing speed deficiency it really doesn't matter how relaxed you are, you're still going to lag behind. I find myself having to play scenes back when I'm home alone watching a movie.
I think i have this. I've developed anxiety because of this. My biggest fear is getting a job or study a career and being worse than everyone else and getting criticized in front of everyone. It's so horrendous.
He exactly talks about me man Now im 30 i still never passed high school nor i have a job I also have delayed sleep phase disorder If you understand 1 page in 1 minute I need 5 minutes to catch the info Also i have lots of brain fog Bad at math I forget my last 30 sec of amazing idea Humans like laptops Some of them like old cpu vs new cpu fast pc
Hi Ali, Thanks for reaching out. The Workforce Investment Act has created programs for adults with disabilities in every state. They have “One Stop” centers in each state that can help find the services, training and support you need. Keep in mind each state has different services and programs. You can visit their website and enter your zip code on the left side, it will find the closest One Stop Center for you: www.servicelocator.org/ You also may want to consider connecting with these organizations in you area, who can provide a better idea of local services and opportunities: LDA: ldaamerica.org/support/state-local-affiliates/ IDA: eida.org/ida-branches/ We hope this helps.
I struggled since grade school thru college & workplace - relentless anxiety. I worked my way up at BCBSWI - 18 years; making $90k in small town. I recently quit cuz I couldn’t handle the pressure any longer it’s like I completely broke. My boss was insanely sharp and looked at me as a slacker while I was working 60 hours a week - she never understood what I did with my time. She bullied and demeaned me nonstop - she was based in a Chicago office so I rarely even saw her. I always disappointed her. I never chose my job the last 8 years rather thru mergers was placed in positions/promoted. This is the first time i researched slow processing. I always got As and rave performance reviews until her - I couldn’t keep up to the evolved expectations, I never had enough time in the day. I had hundreds of pages of legal jargon that had to be reviewed in 1-2 days and then formally summarize the impacts to our business for our senior executives. Being talked down to really messed me up.
Same. You are describing your ex boss like my brother, and I am working for him as of right now. Only difference is I never really experienced good A accomplishments.
Minding Mely Only sewing your comment now, my apologies for delay. If you are comfortable, would love to hear how things are with you now. Also if you have thoughts on the Ellen workplace controversy. Hostile work environments are not limited to Hollywood. I find it interesting that due to exposure they are “investigating”. Working for the largest health care company one would think they understand the importance of mental health and a balanced life. Who know maybe this will be the start of something positive. Companies should treat employees with the same respect they are given in my opinion. It’s just cut throat for the all mighty dollar, vultures waiting to take your place for $10k more a year.
Delice de Luna Please accept my sincere apologies for only reading responses now. This is a topic dear to my heart. Oh geez, you are limited on emotional support and I in all honesty cannot imagine exactly what you have been and may still be going through. It would be an honor to here your update as well. I don’t know the exact circumstances and am interested in hearing them if you are will to share with us. Every boss should be able to find something positive to say about employees. Right now just having a job is a privilege so I fear many employees are suffering even more.
Have had this my entire life but found out on first grade. Still have it. It’s better now but still. My head hurts right now from all these thoughts so I’m looking into these things again ;-;
I've always been like this. All I can say is it's just wonderful being a slow learner and picking up skills in work environments full of impatient people.. Sarcasm aside, I am honest that it takes me much longer than most to really grasp things. And if my respectful attitude is not reciprocated, I will intentionally move slower just to piss people off.
I struggle with this too when I was young to now, Slow processing speed or learning which is slower than the other and plus I struggle with Social anixety, fear of talking to people😭
I think this is because people evolved and learned by DOING rather than listening. So there is an absence of context in how the information fits in one's reality.
interesting. That got me thinking that since there is a diversity in processing speed (with most students processing fast enough to keep up with the teacher, and a significant minority with slower speeds), the selective pressure for faster processing of detailed information may be relatively weak.
It’s so frustrating living with this. Nearly all resources for slow processing are geared toward children, but adults suffer too! Almost all the symptoms are the same as ADD yet you can’t use stimulants to treat it. Anxiety as well... I’ve auffered from this all my life and continue to suffer in my mid 30’s... I really want to train my executive functioning to be better. Is there any treatment for that? Do you know of resources for adults?
Hi Chris Dempsey, thanks for your question. We have shared it with our in-house experts to see if they know of any resources that might be helpful. Once we hear back from them, we will connect back with you.
Hi Chirs Dempsey, thanks for your patience here. We've heard back from our expert, neuropsychologist Ellen B. Braaten, PhD and here's what she had to share: You're so correct about how adults with slower processing speed have been ignored thus far. It is really only in the last 5 to 10 years that it's been thought of as an important issue for children and only now thought of as an important issue for adults. Many of the accommodations and resources that are on the Understood website can be applied to adults. These include allowing extra time to complete tasks, getting support for comorbid issues (such as anxiety), and getting assistance with executive function skills. For adults, making life more streamlined and efficient is one of the best ways to compensate for a slower speed of processing. Working with an executive function coach is one way to learn what works best for you. Speech and language therapy that helps you organize your thoughts can also be useful. Finally, cognitive rehabilitation is increasingly being used to help adults with all kinds of executive function weaknesses. Cognitive rehabilitation was developed to help adults who had experienced a brain injury regain the skills they'd lost, but many of the techniques can be applied to adults who may not have already mastered those skills. We will keep you updated as new research in the field evolves. Until then, consult some of the excellent books for adults with ADHD. Many of the strategies suggested in those books will likely be helpful. Ellen B. Braaten, PhD We hope this helps.
@@account4345 - We appreciate your kind words. We are glad that our work helps those who are impacted by learning and thinking differences, and we're more than happy to facilitate this. Best, The team at Understood
I would like to share my experience. First of all, i'm really happy to find a name to the issue i've been having during my whole life since my childhood. I am a deep thinker but yes, i always struggled with processing instructions quick enough, things went worse in my adulthood and because of this, i got fired at some of my first jobs😥This affected me and made me have a lack of confidence thinking i wasn't "competitive" enough or that i was a looser. As i didn't have enough confidence on looking for a new job because of this same issue, this affected me econonically, fortunatelly, here in Mexico there is this option to be an "unformal worker" by selling merchandise on the streets and with people near by you. I refugeed myself in the past 5 years by being my own "boss" selling stuff for survival and having my small bussiness, always conditioned by this fear due to loosing another job because of slow processing information, i didn't want to make myself look like a "retard' in front of any boss no more. When the pandemic came, bussiness runned down, i lost my income and went back to my mother's house. After a year, i decided to apply for a home office job trying to overcome my fear of failing due to the same problem. Until now, i've been doing pretty well doing homme office and now i have more labor experiencie. But yes, this situation affected my early labor life and it is not because of " laziness" or dumbness that i didn't wanna get me a "real job" as you call it. Mental health is truly underrated and it can determine your stability and happiness level if you don't identify it and get treatment, i still need to cope with this by myself because until now, i could not name the problem that my mind had and people outside, really don't care. Hope y'all doing well. Greetings.
Research shows that 61 percent of kids who have slow processing speed meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. Stimulant medication is a life changer for some people.
I didn't know this was a thing until now. I've struggled my whole life and all I got were average to lower than average grades cause I was to scared to ask for help at the time. I feel like my brain stalls like a car and cant process information at the same speed as everyone else. My brother has dyslexia and my other brother is on the autism spectrum. I never had an assessment when I was younger to find out if I have learning disabilities. Or this anxiety
I process numbers slowly and information that people tell me and i also forget what was told to me and I would have to go back and ask again. It's very frustrating and i have issues with getting my point across to people, i know what i want to say, but i do not know how to put it in words sometimes.
Hi Jesusislove, We're sorry you're struggling. You might find this article helpful, as it provides some suggestions for helping people improve processing speed. It's targeted at parents of kids with processing speed issues, but it might be helpful to you, as well. u.org/2FNwBYg We hope you have more success in the future. Best, The team at Understood
I’m curious to know if this is more relatable to a gene discrepancy? Both my parents are highly intelligent but I had suffered from slower learning for years, and continue to as a young adult. Perhaps the gene skips every other generation making it a recessive one. I don’t believe therapy nor a cure rather to believe in repetition and motivation can highly combat this disability. As for me the phrase “practice makes perfect” has definitely been my theme to understanding processes and procedures in life’s task. By the way quick note. All of you who are leaving comments, you are all intelligent individuals, so what if it’s curvature in the norm, I’m going to assume we share similar characteristics of passion, outgoingness, caring, and of course ambition . Never forget that, the world needs that, We are that balance.
Thanks for your question LINX29X92. We've shared it with our in-house experts for their feedback. Once we hear back from them, we will connect back with you.
Thanks so much for your patience here LINX29X92. We’ve heard back from our expert neuropsychologist Ellen B. Braaten, PhD and here’s what they had to share: What a great observation! Slow processing speed could indeed be related to genetics - in fact most traits are. This is one of the issues that we are currently studying in my research lab. We don't have information as to whether it is a recessive gene. But it seems unlikely since most genes are not that clear-cut in their transmission. We do know that processing speed is associated with other disorders such as anxiety and ADHD. It may be that these are sometimes inherited separately and other times together. This transmission may differ between families and may be what is causing you to question why it seems to skip a generation. I love what you said about balance. This is so true - our out-of-control, fast-paced world needs balance. Individuals with slower processing speed shouldn't feel they need to change. While they can learn strategies, such as repetition, to make things more efficient, it's not going to make them speedy overnight (or perhaps ever). Instead, their natural way of interacting with the environment needs to cherished. There is a lot that you - and others like you - can teach the rest of us. - Ellen
I seriously can't thank you enough for this comment, I admire the part where you incorporated the idea of tackling this disease by hard work instead of it being uncurable. I myself struggle with this disease but I too am a firm believer of accomplishing something mainly claim to be impossible.
I can’t believe I’ve found this resource, I’m actually crying. I’ve always been able to LITERALLY feel the information not go through my brain, but I’m always trying!!! I’m always BATTELING information all day long, cause I’m a good listener and don’t want my people for example to think otherwise because of this syndrome. I’m so ambitious but this syndrome has been stopping me so much and lowering my self esteem. Depression seems high because of this also but I’ve heard depression can contribute to heighten this syndrome and has ADHD like symptoms is that true?
When going through college, life, it feels like you're 100 places behind and no matter how long you run for- you're stuck at this fixed distance.... I'm so tired of being slow. I know I have the capacity to succeed, excell even, but it takes me so long to do everything and I want nothing more than a breather... but if I take one I'll never get it all done and I'm just very tired...
Thanks for your comment, Jacs. You might want to check out these articles on the Understood website: - Slow Processing Speed and Anxiety: What You Need to Know u.org/37WARPk - Slow Processing Speed: What You Need to Know u.org/3aqxaVd - Can Processing Speed Ever Improve? u.org/2FNwBYg If you have any additional questions, let us know. We'd be happy to help. The Understood team
This is what happened all through school and still now (I'm 17) and another giant annoying thing is the same thing applies to video games, like when I'm playing an fps game, I can feel my brain's processing speed capping out, and I lose all spacial processing and awareness
Same here bro. People say im a good player but they don't know i suffer from the same thing you do. I have really slow processing speed. A lot of times i'm playing in a fps game snd game like cod and im the last player alive I just freeze up and feel so dumb and slow
I miss out on a lot of things in life because of this. Really sucks. Can't accomplish any of my dreams, or socialize with others to the same level as everyone else.
Another thing is, my brain can still do everything thing fine, like memory and problem solving, but as soon as you add speed, distraction or pressure to the stimuli, these things just plummet
Been a slow processor my whole life. It has esepcially become noticable now that I'm in a PhD clinical psychology program. Everyone is so bright and processes with celerity that I feel very dumb, which only exacerbates the imposter syndrome.
i’m one of the top students in my class, especially in very tough subjects. i feel that i just am slow at processing information, and somethings up with me. i have a feeling its going to be my mental disorders that are involved but ://
Is there a reliable way to measure improvement practicing a skill. Yes a timer is great on your own. I’ve had a boss ask me how long will it me to learn the procedures.. took me a week or more and I was still too slow. - thus I was let go. I definitely think that I have to over-learn something to get it. But to add speed that’s another element. Is there a reason why my fine motor skills are weak too?
Thanks for your question James DeVries. We've shared it with our in-house experts for their feedback. Once we hear back from them, we will connect back with you.
Thanks for your patience here. We’ve heard back from our expert, neuropsychologist Ellen B. Braaten, PhD and here’s what she had to share: I am so sorry that you were let go from a position because you weren't able to meet the aspects of your job that required learning something according to someone else's timetable. Having slower processing speed can be frustrating for adults who need to learn tasks in a given period of time. There's something to the cliche that practice makes perfect. It can at least get us closer to perfection. It also often results in quicker performance. In terms of reliably measuring improvement in practicing a skill, it really depends on the skill. Some skills rely on quickness. Others rely on accuracy. Some require both. Using a timer can be helpful to get a general measure, but you might also want to measure productivity and quality of the work that you are doing. I realize it's too late for your previous job, but in the future it might be helpful to discuss your learning or "neurocognitive" profile with your boss. People with slower processing speed are often better at tasks which require a higher level of detail and carefulness. Presenting it as a difference - rather than a deficit - can be helpful. However, I did state that it "might" be helpful because it does depend on the work environment. Consult with friends, colleagues, or professionals who are involved in your care to determine whether this is a good strategy in your particular work environment. Many people with slower processing speed have relatively weaker fine motor skills. Most of the tasks used to measure processing speed include a fine or grapho-motor component so it makes sense that the two would be related. If your difficulties are significant and could impact your career, you can be evaluated by an occupational therapist. Though we tend to think of OT as something only for younger kids, occupational therapists do deal with....occupations (hence their name)....and they can help with accommodations in the workplace. Making tasks more efficient is key and getting expert advice on this can be quite useful. If your difficulties are within verbal tasks, an evaluation by a speech and language therapist could also be useful. Speech and language therapists can help with the executive function aspects of language, helping to organize the "language system," and thus making it easier to access the information you need at the time you need it. Finally, finding the right kind of job is key for anyone. For people with slower processing, it might mean a job in an office that stresses quality over quantity and things like customer service over quotas. Ellen B. Braaten, PhD
Is there a cure? I was diagnosed with this. They told me there isn’t a cure but that there are ways to improve and cope with this problem. It is exhausting to keep up and I have to study much more in order to get the same results as the rest.
This didnt happen when i was younger, kids in my class used to fight over my paper cuz i always had perfect marks. I donr know when i lost track but when i did, it was heartbreaking. It was probably over the corona online classes time and i think the internet had a huge part to play in this. I keep spacing out during class, but when im happy or in a good mood i can focus but most of the time im not happy in class
My work consists of transcripting xeroxed numbers written by hand to pc text, i can read them and type an estimate in just one second but i can take up to 20 seconds to check for any mistakes and compare the numbers (and yes, there are mistakes found), and i struggle a lot with vision, i need one second to look somewhere else on the screen and be able to read what's there, meanwhile everyone else just passes them like nothing, transcripting doctor handwritting level of text in less than a second with very few mistakes. It's like being surrounded by gods and when i realize they're just average people i just want to die.
I feel like I'm overall pretty clever with a great memory for information. But I feel slow in interviews and things like that when I'm put on the spot with questions and I have to think fast and quickly respond. I seem to be very slow at processing and thinking about the required information... I tend to get the right answer eventually but I am a slow and methodical thinker when problem-solving. is this normal and am I overthinking it? or is my brain just actually slow in that regard and any tips on improving it? lol
Thanks for your comment, lucasnooke. You might want to check out these articles on the Understood website: - Slow Processing Speed: What You Need to Know u.org/3aqxaVd - Can Processing Speed Ever Improve? u.org/2FNwBYg While parts of these articles focus on parents helping their kids, you might get some tips that can help you. If you have any additional questions, let us know. We'd be happy to help. The Understood team
Have you met another person with slow processing speed, and did you understand each other better? When you watch videos, does putting the video at a slower rate help you?
I'm slow at everything at first I thought I was dumb. I was told i was very slow. My family referred to me as a turtle or a sloth because of how slow I move or process things. They tell me to stop daydreaming or smth but i dont do it.
Honestly i feel like i have dyslexics, I can read really good but I have trouble understanding what i read. I do struggle with slow processing speed and it sucks a lot. I just wish there can be something to make people smarter, especially me and people like me with slow processing speed. I strongly feel like im really slow is because i had head trauma when i was a baby. My life sucks.
I have a really bad problem with this it stresses me out to the point where I can’t Focus and freak out. and now I have all F’s and I don’t know what to do anymore
I have the decision to make about going back to school (university) and although I've gotten by pretty well throughout my school years this is something that scares me about going back. I don't know if I can handle the pressure of varsity/academic life all over again
Hi @cast-member, remember that you know better now what you need to be successful than you did the first time around, and you know more about how to better manage your anxiety than you did before. Take a deep breath and trust yourself to make the best decision for yourself and your future. You've got this!
There has to be some way to speed up my processing and thinking speed. I won't be able to hold a job if I don't. Everyone does everything in school so much faster than me, despite me usually getting the better grade. I always assumed it was because they didn't think about the problems much and put the first thing they thought of. I am not an idiot, I have managed to get straight A's for god knows how many years in school. I am in college now and I an beginning to struggle because everything takes me so long and I have trouble completing tests in the time frame because of this issue. It's not like I don't try to move faster. I am Autistic (high functioning), ADHD, I probably even suffer from anxiety. There has to be a way to get faster with this.
I also have this problem. I went to a doctor . She prescribed me atomoxitine and one anti anxity med and cogni care. After taking the meds for two months my life has changed for better. I am solving imo math problem books without problem. I will also join college very soon. So in my opinion contact a doctor and specifically tell about slow processing speed. Ask for meds. It will help you. Btw I also got straight a's in school. But when i was selected for olymiad math training i started struggling. I thought i am actually dumb. But after i consulted a doc and started taking medicine ..... everything changed for better.now everything is smooth. I am not struggling anymore. So go to a doc....your life will change as well.
If you read this then do consult a doc asap. Do not waste the days you have got .... Make them count and live a life worth living . I have not wasted a single day after medications started working.
Same thing with me bro iam on the verge to lose my job because of the same reason and it's the exact same thing you mentioned I move fast but I could not figure out easy things quickly, iam really stressed now as Iam having my future concerns, sometimes I feel useless
i still don't understand what's the matter is with me. i do understand things the teacher teaches us at college but i can't keep the same flow in my physics classes. whenever some one asks me simple questions or just start talking to me it takes me some while to respond like i just cant do it in a instance and also most of the time i don't hear or understand what they are talking abt so i just smile. even in my practical classes i feel like i do understand my teacher's instructions but i get lost when it's time to work on it. it just feels too stupid not knowing what or how to do while everybody keep working on it like nothing. i cant even ask my teacher about it due to social anxiety.
Sometimes i feel like everything is going superfast i.e hearing/thoughts/heartbeat everything fast.it started like 8 years ago. For first 2/3years i used to have 3times a week..then after once in 2months and once in 6months. Now i have this attack rarely. The superfast last 10-30 minutes.. What is this??
I don't know if I have this or not, but it feels like I have a hard time collecting the information and form intelligent feedback. It's like my mind is fatigued, like when someone wakes you up from a sleep and asks a question or when I watch tv, I go mind numb. I feel like I'm watching tv when talking and I can't think of a response that sounds good. I was horrible in school when teacher would ask me a question because I didn't know. Im 33 and it's hard. I have trouble with relationships too.
Your comment resonated with me! I feel the exact same way. My slow processing has made me hyperfocus on being witty and clever. I feel like I have to provide an intelligent retort and this pressure dooms me. There are times where I get into a flow and feel confident but they are few and far between. I usually get stuck and a word salad comes out. It's a constant worry that I can't seem to overcome.
What about when you miss something but also have comorbid ADHD and there's no chance in hell my executive function is going to allow me to remember what it was I missed, that I need to ask anyone about it, and also I can barely pay attention to a teacher IN class much less AFTER class when I'm supposed to be FREEEEEE!!!
Here's an article we hope helps spark ideas for solutions to manage anxiety with slow processing speed: www.understood.org/en/articles/slow-processing-speed-and-anxiety-what-you-need-to-know
This is me but i feel like it got worse when my granny died im not lookin for sympathy but its just kids who dont go through this always got some to say
Omg zap me. Beam me up scotty! I swear I'm an alien lol. My brain is so slow. But I'm going thru ptsd and just trying to get my body to relax is beyond challenging. Someone might have to shoot a rhino tranq dart and knock me out at this rate. Hypnosis or drugs idk. It's a miracle I don't do drugs but I like to control things and stay alert. What the hell is a person supposed to do
Suffered my whole life and still suffering, sometimes I wish I can restart life with better stats.
Thanks for your comment Maa Rouf. If there are any resources you may be looking for, please let us know. We'd be happy to help.
Loll same
Try Shrooms or LSD. Life changing
@@MVNSON true
@@MVNSON it what way, will it give me faster environmental processing and awareness?
It’s so overwhelming because then I realize because of all this there’s so much extra work I have to do for me to reach the bare minimum and it’s really stressful for me. I feel like I have no go home and reteach myself the entire lesson. I get really tired throughout the day while at school no matter how much sleep I get and that makes things even worse because trying to get my brain working and processing ANYTHING hurts. At some points I’ve been on the verge of crying because I’d actively be paying so close attention because I notice what’s happening and everything the teacher says flys past my head and I wouldn’t know what to do because I’m already doing the best I can to understand yet it still feels like nonsense
Damn man, I've just reached the age of 33 and just really realised, I'm having a real disability. I'm having literaly the same problem with that nonsense part.. It really hit me there! :S :(
I was studying from a UA-cam lecture and realised I forgot half of it even though I was paying full attention. I started crying. Not once but it has happened multiple times 😭
Me too! I've always said I'm the smartest dumb person I know. In grade 4 my teacher lifted me out of my chair and sat me on the other side of the room with the grade 3s. I was so embarrassed, it was also a new school for me, and I wasn't able to make friends after that.
Me right now 😭 I want to cry and feel like quitting. I know I am not stupid it’s just not the same as most others around me and I feel isolated.
@@mercedezz Same here tbh but I'm willing to fight it to get a job I really need (computer helpdesk technician...yeah ik its a fast paced job with communication, something im horrible at), is there any tips that helped you in the past that I can incorporate?
I have that slow processing I can't connect with things it like I'm seeing something but my mind is not analysing anything
DUDEEEE SAME How do we fix it
@Arvin Borkar train your body and train your mind read books go meditate go running it will give you focus
@Arvin Borkar yess broo! No problem
@Arvin Borkar hahaha i have had that alot still sometimes when someone talks i just forget what they were saying. But yes by meditating and just excercising your body and mind you will gain focus. And you will learn how to formulate your sentences better and listing to people will go easyer. And important thing is that you dont worry about it to much just let it go and try your best you got this bro
Me to
I feel so at home in this comments section
yep. i'm 31 and have struggled with workplaces that aren't accepting and patient. working with people with disabilities has allowed me to have more self acceptance. I still avoid certain situations because i process things more slowly and some fear people's reactions. sending everyone love
Other kids are very lucky who can Learn fast
Hi Chris Coreas, We're sorry you're struggling with your learning and thinking differences. It can be frustrating to know that other people have an easier time of it than you might. But you should consider that while you might not be as quick as others, you might think more deeply about topics than they do. You may be able to make more reasoned decisions because you spend more time considering them. Rather than focusing on the drawbacks, you might find some solace in considering what you are good at. We hope this helps. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have other questions.
Best,
The team at Understood
I am this person, sadly I've never had the confidence to ask 'what does that mean?' In class
In fact i never even had the confidence to ask anything like that because the idea never came to mind,
To make matters worse my school never saw that i had any learning problems of any kind (i slipped the net), but school for me was 5 years ago and ever since then I've literally been letting life carry me on by day by day, it was only recently that i found out that i have lifelong specific learning difficulties and a very low brain processing speed, and the thought of how many years of the support that i should've had but didn't has scarred me for life
Thanks for your comment BadUK BASSMAN. You may want to check out the resources available through “One Stop” centers: www.servicelocator.org/
The Workforce Investment Act has created programs for adults with disabilities in every state. They have “One Stop” centers in each state that can help find the services, training and support you need.
We hope this helps.
I remember in 5th grade learning about the industrial Revolution. I understood nothing. I really didn’t….
I’m 9th now and I’ve got it…just still don’t have a detailed understanding of the topic…
Compared to my sister, she is now 5th and doing great at school. Much smarter than when I was 5th
Why am I slow? I have a number of speculations but I don’t want to comment a huge wall of text…
Anyways I 100% relate to your comment
Just another thing I want to put forward is when I don’t understand a topic, I will naturally become smarter and understand it some months or a year later. Another thing would be you trying to explain to me in easy words….
I’m nervous for my HSC (even though it’s years away) I am just afraid my slow learning pace and all those learning gaps will interfere with my scores..
@@konig4639 Can you maybe share a speculation example? I'm just getting into this and I'm really interested in "how deep the hole is" in my case.
I'm sorry you had to suffer like that.. no child should be going through this 😞
@Katekyo Same. It just feels like I'm turning from an introvert to a person with anxiety.
Why must there be people born with this kind of disadvantage? So that we can be some kind of a stepping stone for others who are without? I hate it here
Don’t know if I’m slow at processing things or just overthink things .I’ve always been last for everything my entire life. Even when I think I’m going quick I’m still slower than most.
Me too. I can tend to overthink things as well. I use to be the last one taking my tests in school. I usually made a high grade, but that’s only because I studied very very hard. I would have to reread the paragraphs over and over again because I wouldn’t fully remember what I just read. So frustrating!
People always say I am overthinking it. I get so angry , because I know I am not.
Strange I have felt the same way my whole life except when I finally do learn something I dominate the subject. Example, I learned to type in school and was one of the slowest in my class when we started. By the end of the semester, I was the fastest in my class. It's strange
This is so relatable. I know that I have to work really harder than the rest of the people, and when I think about it, it demotivates me and I end up procrastinating. I've had enough of it.
Made me want to bawl my eyes out because this is something that affects me at a great deal and I’m still young but my parents are in denial, their child is not slower than the average person, they’re just lazy.
The anxiety is wild because i feel that my life won’t workout as good as I want it to because I’m not being listened to. It’s especially worse when I had to accept being slow all on my own at around 16 years old and I have to work hard in order to succeed in school and go to university but I don’t know how to, I’ve only just had recognition for my issues.
Yea this is a huge problem for me every since i was born, thats why i hate school. I gave up on schopl cause its just to much of a pain when your brain takes triple the amount to process things then other people.
Hi Shazeen,
Thanks for your comment. We understand how difficult this can be but know you're not alone. If speaking with your parents is not something you're ready for, consider speaking with an adult in your life you feel comfortable with.
While Understood.org was written with parents in mind, you my find this piece helpful: I’m Concerned My Child Might Have Learning and Attention Issues. Now What? u.org/2a8583R
You might also consider checking one of our partner programs, Friends of Quinn (www.friendsofquinn.com/ld-resources), an online community that offers resources and support for young adults with learning differences, as well as for the people who love them.
Wishing you the best of luck!
@@UnderstoodOrg Thanks for your support
..
It just seems so unfair to me too. why do we have to be the ones with the disadvantage in class? We have to work 3x harder than most to achieve sucess in school.
I have been suffering from this my whole life and we never really had a clue what it could mean but sense I’ve been diagnosed and am reading about it it makes a lot more sense.
Also I accidentally watched this video twice because I forgot I watched it the first time lol
Thanks for your comment Cooper Smith. If there are any resources you may be looking for please let us know. We'd be happy to help.
Lol - yeah I watch things 2 or 3 times to get it too
@@egipsey same. it really sucks!
I tell people I'm a slow processor, and they don't get it because I'm also highly intelligent. I give people examples, including a college course that followed a simple premise I couldn't conceptualize until twelve years later, when it just popped into my head. I had been processing the whole time, and when I was done, there it was. I am the person who thinks of the right thing to say three days after a conversation. Now I am a shell-shocked extreme introvert. I have, however, succeeded in a few career choices, such as being an entertainer, and writing. I also am able to be quite empathetic with people who need help. I am thinking of getting a tee shirt that says, "Slow Processor" on it, so if I happen to get trapped into conversing with anyone, I can point and explain, though I'm sure they'd forget in a hot second because it probably doesn't pertain to them and they can't relate. Sad story of my life.
I relate to some of this very strongly. I also have a slow processing speed, but very strong reasoning abilities. It takes me a really long time to fully consider an idea, and I also think of things to say well after a conversation is over.
Thankyou for this video. Recently it’s gotten to the point where my anxieties about being so slow in everything i do and learn is taking over my life and just hearing that this is what some others also experience makes me feel a whole lot better about myself.
We're happy you found this helpful Ioury RB. If there are any resources you may be looking for, let us know. We'd be happy to help.
same!
I'm 30, and i recently discovered that I have ADHD, and slow processing speed, I have been dealing with alllll of these issues all my life. Now it feel worst. I cant maintain any work because of this.
When I try to listen to someone I cant undersant what are they saying even, I don't have phonological consciousness. Its horrible!
Well, this explains a heck of a lot. As, I've suffered with anxiety for most of my life.
I’m a slow learner. I’m slow in everything like even someone’s tells me to do something easy. I get embarrassed, I cry a lot, sometimes I wish that I was never born. Honestly it hurts seeing myself like this. I’m 20 years old now. Am I gonna be successful in 5 years 🥺
I have discovered I can read very fast and process information fast whenever my stress and anxiety levels are low.
Slow processing is a result of high anxiety.
@@TopperPenquin But, anxiety can also result from slow processing. For example, if someone cannot process information efficiently, or have apparent concentration lapses because of their disorder, that will make them stressed and anxious because they know that they have something blocking them from achieving what they set out to do. Then, it is likely that the stress and anxiety created from this could then contribute to more slow processing, as that person has just added to their mental burden. Hence a vicious cycle begins which must be broken. A diagnosis of slow processing and beginning the journey to address or cope with this can help alleviate anxiety.
Same
@@robmackay3761 what u described is exactly what i am experiencing specially the vicious circle part plus completely lacking confidence , man am a physician its a job that involves dealing with humans and reassuring them about their health , so its very tough , i get recurrent moods of depression and anxiety because of this , its better for me when i have the mindset of not caring about how i look infront of others whether i look stupid or awkward , not giving a damn makes it better although sometimes u couldnt escape the emotions of this.
You're lucky. That means you can do something about it.
Anxiety deffinitely affects processing speed, but if you have a real processing speed deficiency it really doesn't matter how relaxed you are, you're still going to lag behind.
I find myself having to play scenes back when I'm home alone watching a movie.
I think i have this. I've developed anxiety because of this. My biggest fear is getting a job or study a career and being worse than everyone else and getting criticized in front of everyone. It's so horrendous.
I feel like emotional trauma has always caused a kind of anxiety that interfered with my learning even to this day.
Same
I totally agree. I feel like the trauma has left a lingering brain fog that interferes with learning
He exactly talks about me man
Now im 30 i still never passed high school nor i have a job
I also have delayed sleep phase disorder
If you understand 1 page in 1 minute
I need 5 minutes to catch the info
Also i have lots of brain fog
Bad at math
I forget my last 30 sec of amazing idea
Humans like laptops
Some of them like old cpu vs new cpu fast pc
Hi Ali,
Thanks for reaching out. The Workforce Investment Act has created programs for adults with disabilities in every state. They have “One Stop” centers in each state that can help find the services, training and support you need. Keep in mind each state has different services and programs. You can visit their website and enter your zip code on the left side, it will find the closest One Stop Center for you: www.servicelocator.org/
You also may want to consider connecting with these organizations in you area, who can provide a better idea of local services and opportunities:
LDA: ldaamerica.org/support/state-local-affiliates/
IDA: eida.org/ida-branches/
We hope this helps.
Same here
Try changing your diet. Minor food sensitivities can cause brain fog, which impacts learning.
Hey do you have a house ?
Me too, every single word. thought I was alone in this f world like this. It’s so depressing, specially when I’m ambitious and had a dream.
I struggled since grade school thru college & workplace - relentless anxiety. I worked my way up at BCBSWI - 18 years; making $90k in small town. I recently quit cuz I couldn’t handle the pressure any longer it’s like I completely broke. My boss was insanely sharp and looked at me as a slacker while I was working 60 hours a week - she never understood what I did with my time. She bullied and demeaned me nonstop - she was based in a Chicago office so I rarely even saw her. I always disappointed her. I never chose my job the last 8 years rather thru mergers was placed in positions/promoted. This is the first time i researched slow processing. I always got As and rave performance reviews until her - I couldn’t keep up to the evolved expectations, I never had enough time in the day. I had hundreds of pages of legal jargon that had to be reviewed in 1-2 days and then formally summarize the impacts to our business for our senior executives. Being talked down to really messed me up.
Jaimee M. Hey I feel like this constantly sometimes I cant take it and i just want to quit everything I wish I knew why I am like this
Same. You are describing your ex boss like my brother, and I am working for him as of right now. Only difference is I never really experienced good A accomplishments.
youve been through college?? lmao man if i can at least get through college i might cry.
Minding Mely Only sewing your comment now, my apologies for delay. If you are comfortable, would love to hear how things are with you now. Also if you have thoughts on the Ellen workplace controversy. Hostile work environments are not limited to Hollywood. I find it interesting that due to exposure they are “investigating”. Working for the largest health care company one would think they understand the importance of mental health and a balanced life. Who know maybe this will be the start of something positive. Companies should treat employees with the same respect they are given in my opinion. It’s just cut throat for the all mighty dollar, vultures waiting to take your place for $10k more a year.
Delice de Luna Please accept my sincere apologies for only reading responses now. This is a topic dear to my heart. Oh geez, you are limited on emotional support and I in all honesty cannot imagine exactly what you have been and may still be going through. It would be an honor to here your update as well. I don’t know the exact circumstances and am interested in hearing them if you are will to share with us. Every boss should be able to find something positive to say about employees. Right now just having a job is a privilege so I fear many employees are suffering even more.
Have had this my entire life but found out on first grade.
Still have it.
It’s better now but still.
My head hurts right now from all these thoughts so I’m looking into these things again ;-;
I am still suffering.. Suffered in school and college. Now at work.. Life is difficult.
I've always been like this. All I can say is it's just wonderful being a slow learner and picking up skills in work environments full of impatient people..
Sarcasm aside, I am honest that it takes me much longer than most to really grasp things. And if my respectful attitude is not reciprocated, I will intentionally move slower just to piss people off.
I struggle with this too when I was young to now, Slow processing speed or learning which is slower than the other and plus I struggle with Social anixety, fear of talking to people😭
I think this is because people evolved and learned by DOING rather than listening. So there is an absence of context in how the information fits in one's reality.
interesting. That got me thinking that since there is a diversity in processing speed (with most students processing fast enough to keep up with the teacher, and a significant minority with slower speeds), the selective pressure for faster processing of detailed information may be relatively weak.
It’s so frustrating living with this. Nearly all resources for slow processing are geared toward children, but adults suffer too! Almost all the symptoms are the same as ADD yet you can’t use stimulants to treat it. Anxiety as well... I’ve auffered from this all my life and continue to suffer in my mid 30’s... I really want to train my executive functioning to be better. Is there any treatment for that? Do you know of resources for adults?
Hi Chris Dempsey, thanks for your question. We have shared it with our in-house experts to see if they know of any resources that might be helpful.
Once we hear back from them, we will connect back with you.
Hi Chirs Dempsey, thanks for your patience here. We've heard back from our expert, neuropsychologist Ellen B. Braaten, PhD and here's what she had to share:
You're so correct about how adults with slower processing speed have been ignored thus far. It is really only in the last 5 to 10 years that it's been thought of as an important issue for children and only now thought of as an important issue for adults. Many of the accommodations and resources that are on the Understood website can be applied to adults. These include allowing extra time to complete tasks, getting support for comorbid issues (such as anxiety), and getting assistance with executive function skills. For adults, making life more streamlined and efficient is one of the best ways to compensate for a slower speed of processing. Working with an executive function coach is one way to learn what works best for you. Speech and language therapy that helps you organize your thoughts can also be useful. Finally, cognitive rehabilitation is increasingly being used to help adults with all kinds of executive function weaknesses. Cognitive rehabilitation was developed to help adults who had experienced a brain injury regain the skills they'd lost, but many of the techniques can be applied to adults who may not have already mastered those skills. We will keep you updated as new research in the field evolves. Until then, consult some of the excellent books for adults with ADHD. Many of the strategies suggested in those books will likely be helpful.
Ellen B. Braaten, PhD
We hope this helps.
@@UnderstoodOrg It’s amazing that you consult your experts to offer individual bits of advice and info to commenters. I commend you guys!
@@account4345 - We appreciate your kind words. We are glad that our work helps those who are impacted by learning and thinking differences, and we're more than happy to facilitate this.
Best,
The team at Understood
Thank you @understood
I would like to share my experience.
First of all, i'm really happy to find a name to the issue i've been having during my whole life since my childhood. I am a deep thinker but yes, i always struggled with processing instructions quick enough, things went worse in my adulthood and because of this, i got fired at some of my first jobs😥This affected me and made me have a lack of confidence thinking i wasn't "competitive" enough or that i was a looser.
As i didn't have enough confidence on looking for a new job because of this same issue, this affected me econonically, fortunatelly, here in Mexico there is this option to be an "unformal worker" by selling merchandise on the streets and with people near by you. I refugeed myself in the past 5 years by being my own "boss" selling stuff for survival and having my small bussiness, always conditioned by this fear due to loosing another job because of slow processing information, i didn't want to make myself look like a "retard' in front of any boss no more.
When the pandemic came, bussiness runned down, i lost my income and went back to my mother's house. After a year, i decided to apply for a home office job trying to overcome my fear of failing due to the same problem.
Until now, i've been doing pretty well doing homme office and now i have more labor experiencie. But yes, this situation affected my early labor life and it is not because of " laziness" or dumbness that i didn't wanna get me a "real job" as you call it. Mental health is truly underrated and it can determine your stability and happiness level if you don't identify it and get treatment, i still need to cope with this by myself because until now, i could not name the problem that my mind had and people outside, really don't care.
Hope y'all doing well. Greetings.
Research shows that 61 percent of kids who have slow processing speed meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. Stimulant medication is a life changer for some people.
It's harder when a demonstration and lecture are simultaneous when learning computer software. step by step oh missed it,,,, now im behind forever!!
Digital Enalog Been there done that! I either quickly made friends with my neighbors or forced myself to ask questions.
I didn't know this was a thing until now. I've struggled my whole life and all I got were average to lower than average grades cause I was to scared to ask for help at the time. I feel like my brain stalls like a car and cant process information at the same speed as everyone else. My brother has dyslexia and my other brother is on the autism spectrum. I never had an assessment when I was younger to find out if I have learning disabilities. Or this anxiety
I process numbers slowly and information that people tell me and i also forget what was told to me and I would have to go back and ask again. It's very frustrating and i have issues with getting my point across to people, i know what i want to say, but i do not know how to put it in words sometimes.
Hi Jesusislove,
We're sorry you're struggling. You might find this article helpful, as it provides some suggestions for helping people improve processing speed. It's targeted at parents of kids with processing speed issues, but it might be helpful to you, as well. u.org/2FNwBYg
We hope you have more success in the future.
Best,
The team at Understood
Same bro
Same
Same
This is why i cant get a girlfriend, i cant keep up with all her drama.
Nah man thats normal
My son really has to think about what he has to say before he says it. He also was diagnosed with aspergers when he was younger.
Yeah! that's true because of that i had to turn on sub in every video and when i talk to someone it is really hard😳
I’m curious to know if this is more relatable to a gene discrepancy? Both my parents are highly intelligent but I had suffered from slower learning for years, and continue to as a young adult. Perhaps the gene skips every other generation making it a recessive one. I don’t believe therapy nor a cure rather to believe in repetition and motivation can highly combat this disability. As for me the phrase “practice makes perfect” has definitely been my theme to understanding processes and procedures in life’s task.
By the way quick note.
All of you who are leaving comments, you are all intelligent individuals, so what if it’s curvature in the norm, I’m going to assume we share similar characteristics of passion, outgoingness, caring, and of course ambition . Never forget that, the world needs that,
We are that balance.
Thanks for your question LINX29X92. We've shared it with our in-house experts for their feedback. Once we hear back from them, we will connect back with you.
Thanks so much for your patience here LINX29X92. We’ve heard back from our expert neuropsychologist Ellen B. Braaten, PhD and here’s what they had to share:
What a great observation! Slow processing speed could indeed be related to genetics - in fact most traits are. This is one of the issues that we are currently studying in my research lab. We don't have information as to whether it is a recessive gene. But it seems unlikely since most genes are not that clear-cut in their transmission. We do know that processing speed is associated with other disorders such as anxiety and ADHD. It may be that these are sometimes inherited separately and other times together. This transmission may differ between families and may be what is causing you to question why it seems to skip a generation.
I love what you said about balance. This is so true - our out-of-control, fast-paced world needs balance. Individuals with slower processing speed shouldn't feel they need to change. While they can learn strategies, such as repetition, to make things more efficient, it's not going to make them speedy overnight (or perhaps ever). Instead, their natural way of interacting with the environment needs to cherished. There is a lot that you - and others like you - can teach the rest of us. - Ellen
I seriously can't thank you enough for this comment, I admire the part where you incorporated the idea of tackling this disease by hard work instead of it being uncurable. I myself struggle with this disease but I too am a firm believer of accomplishing something mainly claim to be impossible.
I remember now in school, i never knew to speak up about slow processing at all. Im a little emotional about it right now.
I can’t believe I’ve found this resource, I’m actually crying. I’ve always been able to LITERALLY feel the information not go through my brain, but I’m always trying!!! I’m always BATTELING information all day long, cause I’m a good listener and don’t want my people for example to think otherwise because of this syndrome. I’m so ambitious but this syndrome has been stopping me so much and lowering my self esteem. Depression seems high because of this also but I’ve heard depression can contribute to heighten this syndrome and has ADHD like symptoms is that true?
When going through college, life, it feels like you're 100 places behind and no matter how long you run for- you're stuck at this fixed distance.... I'm so tired of being slow. I know I have the capacity to succeed, excell even, but it takes me so long to do everything and I want nothing more than a breather... but if I take one I'll never get it all done and I'm just very tired...
Thanks for your comment, Jacs. You might want to check out these articles on the Understood website:
- Slow Processing Speed and Anxiety: What You Need to Know u.org/37WARPk
- Slow Processing Speed: What You Need to Know u.org/3aqxaVd
- Can Processing Speed Ever Improve? u.org/2FNwBYg
If you have any additional questions, let us know. We'd be happy to help.
The Understood team
This is the first time I've heard someone describe it!
Now where can I learn what to do with it?
This is what happened all through school and still now (I'm 17) and another giant annoying thing is the same thing applies to video games, like when I'm playing an fps game, I can feel my brain's processing speed capping out, and I lose all spacial processing and awareness
Same here bro. People say im a good player but they don't know i suffer from the same thing you do. I have really slow processing speed. A lot of times i'm playing in a fps game snd game like cod and im the last player alive I just freeze up and feel so dumb and slow
Good stuff, thanks for making this ✌🏻 🙏🏻
I miss out on a lot of things in life because of this. Really sucks. Can't accomplish any of my dreams, or socialize with others to the same level as everyone else.
Another thing is, my brain can still do everything thing fine, like memory and problem solving, but as soon as you add speed, distraction or pressure to the stimuli, these things just plummet
I can relate to this
Been a slow processor my whole life. It has esepcially become noticable now that I'm in a PhD clinical psychology program. Everyone is so bright and processes with celerity that I feel very dumb, which only exacerbates the imposter syndrome.
We absolutely know the feeling - you are not dumb, and you're certainly not alone.💙
i’m one of the top students in my class, especially in very tough subjects. i feel that i just am slow at processing information, and somethings up with me. i have a feeling its going to be my mental disorders that are involved but ://
This happens to me but sometimes my brain works really fast and I wish I could be like that forever.
This explains alot
Is there a reliable way to measure improvement practicing a skill. Yes a timer is great on your own.
I’ve had a boss ask me how long will it me to learn the procedures.. took me a week or more and I was still too slow. - thus I was let go.
I definitely think that I have to over-learn something to get it. But to add speed that’s another element.
Is there a reason why my fine motor skills are weak too?
Thanks for your question James DeVries. We've shared it with our in-house experts for their feedback. Once we hear back from them, we will connect back with you.
Understood are there other ideas for employment accommodations for sps other than extended time for deadlines ?
Thanks for your patience here. We’ve heard back from our expert, neuropsychologist Ellen B. Braaten, PhD and here’s what she had to share:
I am so sorry that you were let go from a position because you weren't able to meet the aspects of your job that required learning something according to someone else's timetable. Having slower processing speed can be frustrating for adults who need to learn tasks in a given period of time. There's something to the cliche that practice makes perfect. It can at least get us closer to perfection. It also often results in quicker performance.
In terms of reliably measuring improvement in practicing a skill, it really depends on the skill. Some skills rely on quickness. Others rely on accuracy. Some require both. Using a timer can be helpful to get a general measure, but you might also want to measure productivity and quality of the work that you are doing.
I realize it's too late for your previous job, but in the future it might be helpful to discuss your learning or "neurocognitive" profile with your boss. People with slower processing speed are often better at tasks which require a higher level of detail and carefulness. Presenting it as a difference - rather than a deficit - can be helpful. However, I did state that it "might" be helpful because it does depend on the work environment. Consult with friends, colleagues, or professionals who are involved in your care to determine whether this is a good strategy in your particular work environment.
Many people with slower processing speed have relatively weaker fine motor skills. Most of the tasks used to measure processing speed include a fine or grapho-motor component so it makes sense that the two would be related. If your difficulties are significant and could impact your career, you can be evaluated by an occupational therapist. Though we tend to think of OT as something only for younger kids, occupational therapists do deal with....occupations (hence their name)....and they can help with accommodations in the workplace. Making tasks more efficient is key and getting expert advice on this can be quite useful. If your difficulties are within verbal tasks, an evaluation by a speech and language therapist could also be useful. Speech and language therapists can help with the executive function aspects of language, helping to organize the "language system," and thus making it easier to access the information you need at the time you need it.
Finally, finding the right kind of job is key for anyone. For people with slower processing, it might mean a job in an office that stresses quality over quantity and things like customer service over quotas.
Ellen B. Braaten, PhD
Understood thank you Dr. Ellen
If its not because of my family, my life has no meaning. do things that makes you guys happy, for me now. 🏄♀️ wave surfing is my stress reliver.
Is there a cure? I was diagnosed with this. They told me there isn’t a cure but that there are ways to improve and cope with this problem. It is exhausting to keep up and I have to study much more in order to get the same results as the rest.
This didnt happen when i was younger, kids in my class used to fight over my paper cuz i always had perfect marks.
I donr know when i lost track but when i did, it was heartbreaking. It was probably over the corona online classes time and i think the internet had a huge part to play in this.
I keep spacing out during class, but when im happy or in a good mood i can focus but most of the time im not happy in class
My work consists of transcripting xeroxed numbers written by hand to pc text, i can read them and type an estimate in just one second but i can take up to 20 seconds to check for any mistakes and compare the numbers (and yes, there are mistakes found), and i struggle a lot with vision, i need one second to look somewhere else on the screen and be able to read what's there, meanwhile everyone else just passes them like nothing, transcripting doctor handwritting level of text in less than a second with very few mistakes.
It's like being surrounded by gods and when i realize they're just average people i just want to die.
I feel like I'm overall pretty clever with a great memory for information. But I feel slow in interviews and things like that when I'm put on the spot with questions and I have to think fast and quickly respond. I seem to be very slow at processing and thinking about the required information... I tend to get the right answer eventually but I am a slow and methodical thinker when problem-solving. is this normal and am I overthinking it? or is my brain just actually slow in that regard and any tips on improving it? lol
Thanks for your comment, lucasnooke. You might want to check out these articles on the Understood website:
- Slow Processing Speed: What You Need to Know u.org/3aqxaVd
- Can Processing Speed Ever Improve? u.org/2FNwBYg
While parts of these articles focus on parents helping their kids, you might get some tips that can help you.
If you have any additional questions, let us know. We'd be happy to help.
The Understood team
Have you met another person with slow processing speed, and did you understand each other better? When you watch videos, does putting the video at a slower rate help you?
I'm slow at everything at first I thought I was dumb. I was told i was very slow. My family referred to me as a turtle or a sloth because of how slow I move or process things. They tell me to stop daydreaming or smth but i dont do it.
Honestly i feel like i have dyslexics, I can read really good but I have trouble understanding what i read. I do struggle with slow processing speed and it sucks a lot. I just wish there can be something to make people smarter, especially me and people like me with slow processing speed. I strongly feel like im really slow is because i had head trauma when i was a baby. My life sucks.
I have a really bad problem with this it stresses me out to the point where I can’t Focus and freak out. and now I have all F’s and I don’t know what to do anymore
I have the decision to make about going back to school (university) and although I've gotten by pretty well throughout my school years this is something that scares me about going back. I don't know if I can handle the pressure of varsity/academic life all over again
Hi @cast-member, remember that you know better now what you need to be successful than you did the first time around, and you know more about how to better manage your anxiety than you did before. Take a deep breath and trust yourself to make the best decision for yourself and your future. You've got this!
I suffer from this currently unfortunately.
There has to be some way to speed up my processing and thinking speed. I won't be able to hold a job if I don't. Everyone does everything in school so much faster than me, despite me usually getting the better grade. I always assumed it was because they didn't think about the problems much and put the first thing they thought of. I am not an idiot, I have managed to get straight A's for god knows how many years in school. I am in college now and I an beginning to struggle because everything takes me so long and I have trouble completing tests in the time frame because of this issue. It's not like I don't try to move faster. I am Autistic (high functioning), ADHD, I probably even suffer from anxiety. There has to be a way to get faster with this.
I also have this problem. I went to a doctor . She prescribed me atomoxitine and one anti anxity med and cogni care. After taking the meds for two months my life has changed for better. I am solving imo math problem books without problem. I will also join college very soon. So in my opinion contact a doctor and specifically tell about slow processing speed. Ask for meds. It will help you. Btw I also got straight a's in school. But when i was selected for olymiad math training i started struggling. I thought i am actually dumb. But after i consulted a doc and started taking medicine ..... everything changed for better.now everything is smooth. I am not struggling anymore. So go to a doc....your life will change as well.
If you read this then do consult a doc asap. Do not waste the days you have got .... Make them count and live a life worth living . I have not wasted a single day after medications started working.
Same thing with me bro iam on the verge to lose my job because of the same reason and it's the exact same thing you mentioned I move fast but I could not figure out easy things quickly, iam really stressed now as Iam having my future concerns, sometimes I feel useless
i still don't understand what's the matter is with me. i do understand things the teacher teaches us at college but i can't keep the same flow in my physics classes. whenever some one asks me simple questions or just start talking to me it takes me some while to respond like i just cant do it in a instance and also most of the time i don't hear or understand what they are talking abt so i just smile. even in my practical classes i feel like i do understand my teacher's instructions but i get lost when it's time to work on it. it just feels too stupid not knowing what or how to do while everybody keep working on it like nothing. i cant even ask my teacher about it due to social anxiety.
Sometimes i feel like everything is going superfast i.e hearing/thoughts/heartbeat everything fast.it started like 8 years ago.
For first 2/3years i used to have 3times a week..then after once in 2months and once in 6months. Now i have this attack rarely.
The superfast last 10-30 minutes..
What is this??
Hey is there any solution for this problem
I don't know if I have this or not, but it feels like I have a hard time collecting the information and form intelligent feedback. It's like my mind is fatigued, like when someone wakes you up from a sleep and asks a question or when I watch tv, I go mind numb. I feel like I'm watching tv when talking and I can't think of a response that sounds good. I was horrible in school when teacher would ask me a question because I didn't know. Im 33 and it's hard. I have trouble with relationships too.
Your comment resonated with me! I feel the exact same way. My slow processing has made me hyperfocus on being witty and clever. I feel like I have to provide an intelligent retort and this pressure dooms me. There are times where I get into a flow and feel confident but they are few and far between. I usually get stuck and a word salad comes out. It's a constant worry that I can't seem to overcome.
What about when you miss something but also have comorbid ADHD and there's no chance in hell my executive function is going to allow me to remember what it was I missed, that I need to ask anyone about it, and also I can barely pay attention to a teacher IN class much less AFTER class when I'm supposed to be FREEEEEE!!!
Like Joey from friends.
This is my son. He has struggled all his life.
I feel that way to I hate that I hate Learning slow
what are the solutions to overcome?
Here's an article we hope helps spark ideas for solutions to manage anxiety with slow processing speed: www.understood.org/en/articles/slow-processing-speed-and-anxiety-what-you-need-to-know
@@UnderstoodOrg thank you
I feel so lonely and i am get anixity and everyone calls me usseless and stupid..
My reaction speed is slow. I'm slow at calculating. I don't know why.
How to increase brain processing speed ?
I am always slow until now
can this be caused by trauma?
It takes me alot longer to understand
This is me but i feel like it got worse when my granny died im not lookin for sympathy but its just kids who dont go through this always got some to say
Ik bro. It very easy for them to judge when they haven’t been thru it🤦🏽♂️
I feel like 10000TB memory and high end processor with 100 mb ram. I cant live in the moment
And I am traumatized by bugs too
God I hate insects that sting
I hate being a millennial too
Omg zap me. Beam me up scotty! I swear I'm an alien lol. My brain is so slow. But I'm going thru ptsd and just trying to get my body to relax is beyond challenging. Someone might have to shoot a rhino tranq dart and knock me out at this rate. Hypnosis or drugs idk. It's a miracle I don't do drugs but I like to control things and stay alert. What the hell is a person supposed to do
Ishowspeed has this.
you advertise as a song but you are not that:.
😔🤚
Me lol
You wasted My time.
Hi Rebecca Risner, is there a specific resource you may be looking for? We'd be happy to help, let us know.