Digging Deeper into Cognitive Skills & ADHD (Beyond Attention)
When you hear ADHD, the first thing that comes to mind is probably attention struggles. After all it’s in the name, so that must be the biggest hurdle for people with ADHD to overcome, right? Actually, according to research, there is likely more going on under the surface. Yes, ADHD often presents as issues with focus, attention, impulsivity, motivation, and engagement, but according to research, there are cognitive skills besides attention that actually tend to be more deficient in ADHD cognitive profiles. What are they? Working memory, long term memory, and processing speed.
Cognitive Skills in ADHD
All learning happens through a network of cognitive skills in your brain. From the ability to focus to the speed at which you process input to your ability to both store and recall information in your memory, the way your brain operates is through these skills.
In individuals with ADHD, there are a few common trends that we see that explain why certain areas of learning (and life) are so difficult. What looks like issues with attention may actually be something else entirely. This is why cognitive testing is an essential first step in ADHD intervention so you can know exactly what is going on in the brain and how to remediate these weak skills.
Working Memory & ADHD
Working memory is like your brain’s sticky note pad. It allows you to hold onto information temporarily while you work with it. For individuals with ADHD, working memory deficits can manifest as forgetfulness, difficulty following multi-step directions, or struggling to keep track of information in conversations or lectures. This can significantly impact academic performance and everyday tasks. Strengthening working memory can lead to improvements in focus, organization, and the ability to plan ahead.
Long-Term Memory & ADHD
Long-term memory is your brain’s filing cabinet where information is stored for future use. People with ADHD may struggle with encoding information into long-term memory, which can lead to challenges with recalling facts, dates, or details from past experiences.
Often this results in a feeling of frustration for students. They can’t seem to efficiently remember relevant information, which leads them to appear distracted because they disengage from the task when they grow frustrated.
Processing Speed & ADHD
Processing speed refers to how quickly and efficiently your brain can take in and respond to information. Individuals with ADHD often exhibit slower processing speeds, which can affect tasks requiring quick thinking or decision-making. This can contribute to difficulties in academic settings, particularly with timed tests or assignments. Essentially, they are working so hard to just keep up that they fail to actually process their surroundings or the information that’s being presented to them.
On the flipside, sometimes fast processing speed is also an issue for individuals with ADHD when their other skills are lagging behind. If, for example, a student has fast processing speed but low logic, they will likely be highly impulsive. They act without thinking. They may excel at sports or activities that require fast reaction times, but they struggle to overcome even basic problems that require them to put thought into them.
Intervention and Remediation
Understanding these underlying cognitive weaknesses is crucial for developing targeted interventions for individuals with ADHD. Cognitive training programs, such as those offered at LearningRx, are designed to strengthen specific cognitive skills including those listed above through personalized and intensive brain training exercises.
By addressing these foundational cognitive skills alongside attentional challenges, individuals with ADHD can experience comprehensive improvements in their ability to learn, retain information, and succeed academically and in daily life. Cognitive training can be a game-changer, helping individuals with ADHD unlock their full potential by enhancing the very building blocks of learning and cognitive function.
