Understanding Processing Disorders: Why Some Brains Work Differently

Have you ever felt like your brain is working overtime just to keep up with conversations, instructions, or even written words on a page? If so, you’re not alone. Processing disorders are often misunderstood, yet they impact millions of people worldwide.

In this post, we’ll break down what processing disorders are, how they affect daily life, and what can be done to support those who experience them. Let’s get into it!

What Are Processing Disorders?

Processing disorders occur when the brain has difficulty interpreting and responding to information. This doesn’t mean a person isn’t intelligent—far from it! It simply means their brain processes information in a different, often slower, way.

There are three main types of processing disorders:

1. Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) – Difficulty understanding sounds, especially in noisy environments.

2. Visual Processing Disorder (VPD) – Challenges with interpreting visual information, like letters, numbers, or patterns.

3. Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) – Over- or under-reacting to sensory input, such as touch, light, or sound.

Dr. Martha Burns, a neuroscientist specializing in learning and cognition, explains, “Processing disorders are not about hearing or seeing, but rather how the brain interprets what it hears and sees.”

For someone with APD, a simple classroom instruction like “Take out your notebook and turn to page 35” might sound like a jumble of words that take longer to untangle. Someone with VPD may struggle with reading because letters seem to move around on the page.

How Common Are Processing Disorders?

Processing disorders are more widespread than many realize.

• Auditory Processing Disorder affects about 5% of school-aged children (Chermak & Musiek, 2007).

• Sensory Processing Disorder is estimated to impact 1 in 6 children (Ben-Sasson et al., 2009).

• Visual Processing Disorders often co-occur with other learning disabilities, affecting up to 30% of children with dyslexia (American Optometric Association).

And let’s not forget adults! Many people with processing disorders go undiagnosed until they realize, later in life, that their daily struggles weren’t just “quirks” but real neurological differences.

The ADHD and Processing Disorder Connection

It’s no surprise that processing disorders often overlap with ADHD.

Dr. Russell Barkley, a leading ADHD researcher, states, “ADHD is not a disorder of attention, but a disorder of executive functioning.” Processing issues contribute to this by making it harder to filter out distractions, follow multi-step directions, and retain verbal information.

People with ADHD frequently experience slow processing speed, which means they may need extra time to absorb and respond to information. This isn’t about intelligence—it’s about how the brain prioritizes and organizes information.

How Can People with Processing Disorders Be Supported?

If you or someone you know struggles with a processing disorder, there’s good news! There are strategies and therapies that can help:

• Speech-Language Therapy – Helps with auditory processing challenges by improving listening and comprehension skills.

• Occupational Therapy – Supports individuals with sensory processing issues to regulate their responses to stimuli.

• Assistive Technology – Tools like speech-to-text software, noise-canceling headphones, and audiobooks can make a huge difference.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – Can assist with the frustration, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation that often come with processing difficulties.

The Takeaway

Processing disorders aren’t about laziness, lack of intelligence, or “not paying attention.” They are neurological differences that require understanding and the right support.

As Dr. Temple Grandin, a renowned advocate for neurodiversity, puts it: “The world needs all kinds of minds.”

If you or your child struggles with processing information, know that you’re not alone. With awareness, accommodations, and advocacy, people with processing disorders can thrive in school, work, and life.

Have you experienced processing challenges? Share your thoughts in the comments! 💬👇