Memory and Processing Guide for Neurodiverse Learners: Strategies for Success

Practical guide to support students who struggle with memory and processing, including those with dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and ASD.

This book - Memory and Processing Guide for Neurodiverse Learners - from an experienced teacher, provides theory on memory, processing and executive function, as well as many tried and tested handy revision strategies and techniques tailored to kids who think differently.

Armed with the wealth of understanding and strategies in this guide, students will discover how they can learn best, to make studying and revision more effective (and less stressful).

Packed with simple, tried and tested strategies and workarounds, this study guide for supporting kids and teens who learn differently (such as those with ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia or ASD) explains what memory and processing issues are, and how to work around them. Written by a tutor and specialist with years of experience of working with students with learning differences, this book enables the student to understand the best ways they learn and the reasons behind this.

Unpacking processing speed, sensory processing, metacognition, and executive functioning, including working memory, this uniquely relatable and empowering study guide will provide students with the self-understanding they need to manage exams and academic tasks at school with confidence and peace of mind.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 7

Introduction 13

Part 1 Memory, Cognition and SpLDs/SLDs

1. Memory, Processing and SpLDs/SLDs 19
• Working memory 19
• Long-term memory 24
• Processing 30
• Memory, processing and individual SpLDs/SLDs 33
• Co-occurrence of SpLDs/SLDs 35
• Memory and processing strategies: The secret weapon for SpLDs/SLDs 37
2. Cognition and SpLDs/SLDs 41
• Thinking and reasoning skills 41
• Problem-solving 43
• Metacognition 45
• Brain symmetry/handedness and SpLDs 48
• The impact of SpLDs/SLDs on performance 51
• Good days…bad days … 54

Part 2 Visual and Auditory Brain

3. Visual Memory 57
• Visual episodic memory 57
• Visual working memory 58
• Visual memory strategies 59
• Key visual memory strategies 60
4. Visual Processing 73
• Reading and visual processing 73
• Types of visual processing 76
• Key strategies for visual processing 79
• Visual motor processing 86
5. Auditory Memory 91
• Auditory working memory 91
• Auditory memory strategies 92
6. Auditory Processing 101
• Underlying causes 102
• Auditory processing and SpLDs 103
• Types of auditory processing 104
• Key strategies for auditory processing 106
• Auditory training programmes 116
• Phonological processing 116
• Strategies for phonological processing 118

Part 3 The Melting Pot: Mixed Memory and Processing Strategies

7. Mixed Memory Strategies 125
• Mixed classroom strategies 125
• Mixed learning styles 125
• Mixed memory strategies 128
8. Information Processing Strategies for Academic Literacy 135
• Academic reading comprehension 136
• Proofreading strategies 139
• The writing process 140
9. Strategies for Examinations 157
• Revision technique 158
• The exam room 166

Part 4 Executive Function and Wellbeing

10. The Importance of Executive Function 177
• Central executive 177
• Executive function 178
• Executive function and SpLDs 179
• Strategies for executive function 183
• Achieving results 206
11. Wellbeing 207
• Emotional turbulence 208
• Attentional bias 208
• Stress, anxiety and worry 210
• Strategies for worry/anxiety 211
• Strategies for stress 214
• Sleep 221
• Strategies for sleep 224
• A final word 229

Appendix 1 SpLD/SLD Labels 231

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 231
• Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) 232
• Autistic spectrum condition/ASD 232
• DAMP (Deficits in Attention, Motor Control and Perception) 233
• Dysgraphia 233
• Dyscalculia 234
• Dyslexia 234
• Dyspraxia/DCD 235
• Visual Processing Disorder (VPD) 235

Appendix 2 Psychometric Testing for SpLDs 237

• Assessment score interpretation 237
• Assessment score distribution 238
• Percentile scores 238
• Confidence intervals 239

Resources

• Resource 1 Revision Timetable 243
• Resource 2 Key Memory Strategies 245
• Resource 3 Revision Techniques 247
• Resource 4 Foreign Language Revision 251
• Resource 5 Organization Checklist 253
• Resource 6 Whiteboard Planning Template 255
• Resource 7 Signal Words 257

References 259

Subject Index 271

Author Index 285

"Alison Patrick has drawn upon her years of experience as a support tutor to write this definitive guide to techniques and strategies for helping individuals with specific learning difficulties achieve their educational potential. Particularly welcome is her chapter on support strategies for enhancing mental well-being, an often overlooked issue."
- David Grant, PhD. Educational Psychologist

"All readers, whatever their current views on the impact of memory and processing skills, will find plenty to stimulate their thinking in this book. Alison Patrick writes from personal experience and her range of reference is extensive. The accessible layout ensures teachers will find this a go-to resource for research, key strategies and useful tips."
- Margaret Glasgow, Addressing Dyslexia Toolkit Working Group (former head of Glasgow Dyslexia Support Service)