She came to me as a pint-sized dynamo! A kindergartner with all kinds of personality and an attitude to go right along with it. At her transition IEP meeting, I learned that she had a processing disorder and required time to process requests that was made of her and demands that were put on her. A picture communication system was being introduced to help her navigate her schedule, expectations, and transitions. “Give her one to two minutes to understand what is being asked of her.” Other strategies included speaking slowly and clearly to her as well as using simple sentences to convey information and give instructions. Two months into the school year, what Mary, Cecilia, and I learned was that there was nothing wrong with her ability to “process.” But, everything wrong with her doing the things she did not want to do!
Showing her the communication picture for recess, “Diane, it’s time for recess. Go line up at the door.” Diane was at the door, ready and waiting for recess. No processing time required!
The same occurred with lunch. “Diane, it’s lunch time, go to the lunch table.” She gone, immediate response, no processing time needed!
The picture for computer time always drew a smile from Diane’s face as well. “Diane, computer time.” Diane was there, sitting in her chair at the computer, waiting for us!
“Diane, free time, go get your bubbles.” She didn’t need a picture for that! She understood bubbles. Diane knew where we kept her bubbles, knew how to get them from the cabinet, knew how to unscrew the cap, and start blowing. Yep, no processing time required there!
But, for some reason, we did not get that same immediate response when it came to…
“Diane, time to go potty.” Oh, here comes the stop in her tracks and freeze.
“Diane, time for academics, time to work.” Now, the blank look that slowly envelopes her face.
“Diane, lets wash your hands.” Yep, right on cue, she’s staring off into space!
“Diane, get your backpack, time to go to the bus.” And for the finale, that glazed look that fills her eyes.
She would stand there, with that glazed look on her face, and maintain that position for as long as the demand was placed on her. Was that what they meant by “processing disorder?!?!”