Processing differences refer to the varied ways in which people take in, interpret, and respond to information.
These differences aren’t about intelligence — they’re about the speed, style, and sensory channels a person’s brain prefers to use when working with information.

What Processing Differences Are

• Processing differences can involve how quickly information is understood (processing speed) and how information is best understood (processing style).

• They can be related to sensory input (e.g., visual, auditory, kinaesthetic) or to cognitive processes (e.g., sequencing, comprehension).

• Processing differences can occur alone or alongside other neurodivergent conditions such as dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or auditory processing disorder.

Common Types of Processing Differences

• Slow Processing Speed – taking longer to absorb, understand, and respond to information.

• Auditory Processing Differences – difficulty interpreting spoken information, especially in noisy environments.

• Visual Processing Differences – difficulty making sense of visual information such as diagrams, maps, or charts.

• Sequential vs. Global Processing – some people prefer step-by-step instructions, while others grasp the “big picture” first.

Common Traits

People with processing differences may:

• Need extra time to think before answering questions.

• Find it hard to follow fast-paced conversations or instructions.

• Prefer written or visual information over spoken, or vice versa.

• Struggle to process multiple pieces of information at the same time.

• Appear disengaged when in fact they are still processing.

Strengths Often Linked to Processing Differences

• Depth of thinking – taking time can lead to more considered, accurate responses.

• Strong comprehension – once processed, information is often well understood and remembered.

• Alternative learning strengths – excelling in formats that suit their preferred processing style.

• Attention to detail – slower processing can mean noticing subtleties others overlook.

Challenges and Barriers

• Pressure to respond quickly in classrooms, meetings, or social situations.

• Being misjudged as inattentive, disengaged, or lacking knowledge.

• Fatigue from trying to keep up with rapid information flow.

• Reduced participation if not given adequate processing time.

Support Strategies

• Allow extra time – for responding, completing tasks, or processing instructions.

• Match communication to processing style – use written, visual, or verbal formats depending on preference.

• Break information into manageable chunks – reducing cognitive overload.

• Check understanding gently – without rushing or interrupting processing time.

In short: Processing differences are about how and how fast information is understood, not about ability or intelligence. With patience, flexibility, and the right communication methods, individuals with processing differences can fully participate and thrive.