Resource Library

🪣 Short-Term Memory (Gsm)

When Your Child Forgets Instructions

What you see: Child starts a task, gets distracted, and completely forgets what they were supposed to do.

Home Strategies:

  • Break instructions into single steps
  • Use visual reminders (pictures, notes)
  • Have them repeat back what you said
  • Create routine checklists

School Support:

  • Request written instructions alongside verbal
  • Ask teacher to check understanding before starting
  • Use graphic organizers for multi-step tasks
  • Allow use of recording devices
forgetfulness instructions homework chores
🪣 Processing Speed (Gs)

When Everything Takes Forever

What you see: Child works slowly and deliberately, even on simple tasks. Always the last one finished.

Home Strategies:

  • Build extra time into routines
  • Avoid rushing or time pressure
  • Break large tasks into smaller chunks
  • Celebrate effort, not speed

School Support:

  • Extended time on tests and assignments
  • Reduce quantity of work (quality over quantity)
  • Allow alternative ways to show knowledge
  • Avoid timed drills and competitions
slow work time pressure tests homework
🏺 Fluid Reasoning (Gf)

When Problem-Solving is Hard

What you see: Child struggles with new problems, puzzles, or anything that doesn't have a clear, practiced solution.

Home Strategies:

  • Teach step-by-step problem-solving methods
  • Use concrete examples before abstract concepts
  • Practice with similar problems repeatedly
  • Think out loud to model reasoning

School Support:

  • Provide templates and frameworks
  • Teach specific strategies for each subject
  • Use graphic organizers for thinking
  • Allow use of calculators and reference sheets
problem solving math puzzles new situations
🏺 Comprehension-Knowledge (Gc)

When Vocabulary is Limited

What you see: Child doesn't understand words that peers know, struggles with reading comprehension, has trouble expressing ideas.

Home Strategies:

  • Read together daily
  • Explain new words in context
  • Use rich vocabulary in conversations
  • Connect new learning to their interests

School Support:

  • Pre-teach vocabulary before lessons
  • Provide background knowledge explicitly
  • Use visual supports for new concepts
  • Allow extra time for reading assignments
vocabulary reading comprehension background knowledge
🪣 Phonological Processing (Ga)

When Sounds are Confusing

What you see: Child mishears words, struggles in noisy environments, has trouble with rhyming or breaking words into sounds.

Home Strategies:

  • Face your child when speaking
  • Reduce background noise
  • Use visual cues with verbal instructions
  • Practice rhyming games and sound activities

School Support:

  • Preferential seating near teacher
  • Written instructions alongside verbal
  • Use of FM system or sound amplification
  • Extra time for listening comprehension
hearing sounds reading noisy environments
🪣 Visual-Spatial Thinking (Gv)

When Directions and Spaces are Hard

What you see: Child gets lost easily, struggles with maps, has trouble with puzzles, bumps into things frequently.

Home Strategies:

  • Use landmarks instead of directions
  • Practice with simple maps and diagrams
  • Organize spaces clearly with labels
  • Use verbal descriptions with visual tasks

School Support:

  • Provide written directions for locations
  • Use verbal explanations with visual materials
  • Allow extra time for visual-spatial tasks
  • Provide graph paper for math
directions maps puzzles organization
🪣 Psychomotor Speed (Grw)

When Writing is Painful

What you see: Child's handwriting is messy, they complain of hand pain, avoid writing tasks, take forever to copy information.

Home Strategies:

  • Allow typing instead of handwriting
  • Use larger pencils or grips
  • Break writing tasks into short sessions
  • Focus on content over handwriting quality

School Support:

  • Reduce copying requirements
  • Allow use of computer for assignments
  • Provide copies of notes
  • Consider occupational therapy evaluation
handwriting fine motor writing copying
👥 Social Situations

When Cognitive Differences Affect Friendships

What you see: Child struggles to keep up with group conversations, misses social cues, or avoids social activities.

Supporting Social Success:

  • Practice social scripts for common situations
  • Role-play challenging social scenarios
  • Help them find friends with similar interests
  • Teach them to advocate for their needs

Building Confidence:

  • Focus on their strengths in social settings
  • Arrange structured social activities
  • Teach them about their cognitive profile
  • Connect with other families facing similar challenges
friendships social skills confidence self-advocacy

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