The 7 Best Activities for Kids With Slow Processing Speed

Kids with slow processing speed may struggle to keep up with fast-paced activities. When they compare themselves to their peers in activities that require quick reaction times and fast thinking, they notice how many activities take them longer to do. As a result, kids with slow processing speed may not want to be involved in traditional activities with their peers such as certain types of sports and video games.

For example, in sports such as soccer, lacrosse, or basketball, kids with slow processing speed may find it difficult to keep up with the pace of constant movement, shifting positions, and transitioning from playing offense to defense. Kids with slow processing speed may struggle to keep up with the pace of popular action and first-person shooter games. Bantering while engaged with large groups of peers or keeping up with fast-moving conversations may also be problematic. Slow processing speed may discourage children from playing multiplayer online games with their friends or make them feel excluded as teammates on the playground in a game of tag.

The Tom Brady Method for Improving Processing Speed

There is increasing evidence that games and technology can be used to improve processing speed. For example, Tom Brady is well known for his adherence to the TB12 Brain HQ tool. Technologies such as Tom Brady’s have compelling evidence that they can impact real-world speed of processing (Smith et al., 2009).

In Brady’s case, he undoubtedly has always been able to process information quickly. As a result, his training might only give him a split second longer for decision-making. But for kids (and adults) who have more longstanding issues with slow processing speed, these emerging technologies may offer more room for improvement. Beyond brain-training tools, there is also increasing evidence that popular action and puzzle video games can enhance the speed of processing (Pallavicini et al., 2018).

Unfortunately, video games that practice skills needed to improve processing speed do not appeal to those children who would benefit most from them. These kids may be frustrated while playing a puzzle video game that has time limits for specific quests. They might also get discouraged when they are playing an action game in which they repeatedly find themselves a step behind their peers. It might be best to find games and apps that support slower processing speed and then build from there.

Perhaps more important is to help kids with slow processing speed find activities in which speed is less important than deliberateness. Fortunately, there are many activities in which slow processing speed can be an asset for kids. Helping children to identify those areas where they can interact with their peers and be rewarded for their thoughtful approach can be useful. These activities can also play a role in preparing for future jobs in which slow processing speed does not interfere with performance and may instead be an asset.

The 7 Best Activities for Kids With Slow Processing Speed

1. Hang out with peers. Kids with slow processing speed are often very patient listeners. One of the most important things that kids with slow processing speed are able to do is to take the time to listen to others. Becoming a conversationalist, thinking about things in depth, and sharing those ideas with others can be powerful in building relationships and connections with others.
2. Become a creative artist. The making of art (except what the art teacher requires at school) does not typically have a time limit. Patience, flexibility, creativity, and self-expression are all best done at one’s own pace.
3. Choose video games that are in open worlds. Play the video game Minecraft in creative mode. This sandbox game allows players to explore a world, create what interests them, and revise when they choose. There are no time limits or need for speed (though some kids might like to play forever!).
4. Engage in construction projects. These can be real-world adventures such as building a fort or a bookshelf. Or play with Legos, blocks, and other construction toys. These are some of the best toys for kids with slow processing speed because there is no time limit and they can use their imagination in playing with them, rather than follow a specific plan.
5. Choose sports that separate offense from defense. This can reduce the demands for quick transitions and fast decision-making. Baseball, football, and softball may be suitable in this regard.
6. Engage in sports that move slowly or at an individual’s pace. Good examples include golf, bowling, and track-and-field events such as the javelin, hammer, and long jump.
7. Encourage video game play within specific game genres in which speed is less important than plot, strategy, and discovery. Explore games in genres beyond action games. For example, better genres for kids with slow processing speed would be adventure video games such as the Legend of Zelda series, role-playing games such as the Final Fantasy series, and strategy games such as the Civilization series.