Challenges to Learning, continued...

Neuro-Linguistic Learning Center

Helping Children, Teens and Adults Succeed in the 21st Century

Learning Challenges, continued...

Difficulty with long-term memory: This forgetfulness occurs particularly with written and verbal instructions. Visual thinkers may remember only one out of three verbal instructions.

Lack of organization: ADHD children often exhibit forgetfulness and inability to remember multiple tasks often results in a lack of organization. The lack of organization of their outer world is typically a reflection of their inner thought processes.

Impulsivity: ADHD and other visual thinkers often demonstrate reactive rather than responsive behaviors. Rather than mentally process through a course of action (or sequence of actions) logically, they often jump to an emotional response based on their internal ‘pictures’.

Procrastination: Because they become bored easily and have trouble completing tasks, they may experience a great deal of criticism and failure (either real or perceived). This may lead to reluctance to even get started on new projects.

It’s important to understand that the only sane response to repeated failure or inability to successfully complete a given task or assignment is to avoid that task or assignment in the future. To invite continued failure is neither ‘normal’ nor appropriate.

Hyperactivity: If there were ever an attempt to fit a square peg into a round hole, it is asking an ADHD or visual thinker to sit quietly and pay attention to someone talk. The inability to sit still and listen, particularly in the classroom, is common for many high energy, non-verbal thinkers (often labeled ADHD).

Lack of Social Skills: Visual thinkers often ‘live’ in their own thoughts. This can result in an lack of ability to recognize and respond appropriately respond to social cues.

Frustration, Stress and Anxiety: As visual children experience their best efforts continuing to fall short, their levels of stress and anxiety can mount on a daily basis, often resulting in growing frustration, anger and ultimately, surrender or resignation.

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One last note on challenges. To hold a child responsible for a behavior or outcome that he cannot control is simply inappropriate.

To offer a child reward or punishment for a behavior or outcome that he can’t control is just plain cruel.

At the Neuro-Linguistic Learning Center, we believe in giving children and teens the skills and ability to manage their behaviors and results so that they can and should be held accountable.