How Learning Disabilities Can Impact the Information-processing Cycle

There are three stages to learning:

1. inputting information
2. processing information
3. outputting information

There is a breakdown at one or all three of the stages for adults with learning disabilities.

Signs at the input stage:

• limited amount of information taken in at once
• distraction or short attention span, which can result in a loss of all or some of the information
• one or more of the five senses hindering the ability to take in information

Signs at the processing stage:

• difficulty organizing and putting information in order
• difficulty integrating new information with old information
• limited short- or long-term memory, resulting in information being forgotten or lost
• difficulty transferring information learned visually with information learned auditorily or vice versa
• difficulty encoding and decoding information

Signs at the output stage:

• difficulty writing information even though it is understood or can be expressed verbally
• difficulty completing tasks even though the knowledge is present
• difficulty expressing verbal knowledge

Fowler, J. A. (2003). Learning disabilities training: A new approach. London, Ontario: Literacy Link South Central. Used with permission.

Handout 10.3