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 of learning hinder 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 visa 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 knowledge8