When families come together to discuss test scores, no group of scores surprises them as much as “Processing Speed.”
Processing Speed scores on psychometric exams might mean Coding and Symbol Search scores on the WISC intelligence exams or Visual Matching and Paired Cancellation on the Woodcock Johnson.
Processing Speed scores on these subtests are typically lower for dyslexic students, but on other tasks like Decision Making and in real life, these students may be quite quick and even quicker than their peers at various tasks such as insight-based problem solving or situational awareness (helpful for athletics, for instance).
Understanding the true significance of Processing Speed Difference in Dyslexia, then is important not only for recognizing when accommodations may be appropriate school, but also for identifying opportunities for strength development and even promising career disciplines.
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Good article thanks. Also wondering about those that have have PSI scores superior and gifted and low working memory scores which my son has. I can not find any literature so far on this “special power” as we call it. Thanks for the article .
Hi Chris,
Thanks! High Processing Speed is not the typical pattern for dyslexia. Consider yourself fortunate in that department. Usually students with a high processing speed are able to get along ‘well enough’ in general education or gifted classrooms. The working memory issue is another bit. I think we’ll have more articles on working memory coming up in next month’s issue.