
By Miranda Milana, Psy.D.
Pediatric Neuropsychologist
Picture what it means to be intelligent.
Do you imagine someone who knows many facts about a variety of topics? Someone who has quick wit? The first person to offer up answers? Chances are that you picture someone who not only knows a lot of information—but thinks fast on their feet. Maybe you envision someone who finishes tests before everyone else, completes homework effortlessly, or could dominate any round of Jeopardy.
Those are all common examples of what comes to mind when someone is described as “smart.” Society often rewards efficiency and how fast someone is to provide answers and results, which is why we equate efficiency and speed with high intellect. The fact of the matter is that intelligence does not always mean fast, and there are many extremely bright individuals who perform slower when it comes to tasks like timed tests, fast-paced conversations, or quick decision-making.
This might seem confusing—how can someone so clearly intelligent struggle to perform tasks efficiently? If they have so many answers, why can’t they provide them quickly?
The answer to this question lies in how our brains are wired. Your cognitive profile is complex and includes many factors. Someone can be intellectually gifted, or considered a “genius,” but still be slow to process information.
If you imagine the brain as a car:
- Core cognitive abilities—things like reasoning, memory, and language—are the engine. They represent how powerful, thoughtfully designed, and capable the car is.
- Processing speed is the acceleration. It’s how fast that car can go.
Some people might have a powerful engine that takes longer to accelerate. Once it gets going, however, and gains momentum, it can go far and handle any road it encounters. Others might have very fast acceleration but a reduced capability of maneuvering on complex routes.
How Does This Happen?
Many individuals with this “smart but slow” learning profile have exceptional cognitive skills but need more time to show what they know as it takes them longer to take in, make sense of, and respond to information (functions of processing speed).
This discrepancy between intellect and processing speed can cause significant frustration, both for the individual and for those around them. It can be especially difficult in environments that place an emphasis on speed, such as classrooms, standardized testing, or high-pressure workplaces with fast work deadlines/turnaround times.
Factors that Affect Processing Speed
Some brains are simply wired for a slower pace. But other factors can influence processing speed as well, including:
- Anxiety
- ADHD and attentional differences
- Autism spectrum traits
- Depression and mood disorders
- Fatigue or chronic stress
- Substance use or medications
These factors can cause weaknesses and/or variability in processing speed—even in individuals with otherwise high cognitive reasoning abilities. Unfortunately, this “smart but slow” presentation often leads to incorrect labels, such as laziness or reduced capabilities, when in fact, they just need more time to showcase what they know.
No matter the reason for slower processing speed, these individuals benefit from accommodations and strategies such as:
- Extended time on tasks, tests, or writing assignments
- Flexible expectations in fast-paced discussions or decision-making settings
- Alternative ways to demonstrate knowledge, like untimed projects or creating visuals
Now that we have taken some time to understand how intelligence is defined, I encourage you to consider expanding your idea of what comprises intelligence as a whole the next time someone asks you what it means to be intelligent. Some of the most insightful, creative, and capable thinkers are the ones who take their time to pause, reflect, and dive deep before they respond. These individuals might be the smartest people in the room who just move at their own pace and deserve just as much recognition.
About the Author
Dr. Miranda Milana provides comprehensive evaluation services for children and adolescents with a wide range of concerns, including attention deficit disorders, communication disorders, intellectual disabilities, and learning disabilities. She particularly enjoys working with children and their families who have concerns regarding an autism spectrum disorder. Dr. Milana has received specialized training on the administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS).
Dr. Milana places great emphasis on adapting her approach to a child’s developmental level and providing a testing environment that is approachable and comfortable for them. She also values collaboration with families and outside providers to facilitate supports and services that are tailored to a child’s specific needs.
Before joining NESCA, Dr. Milana completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital in the Developmental Medicine department, where she received extensive training in the administration of psychological and neuropsychological testing. She has also received assessment training from Beacon Assessment Center and The Brenner Center. Dr. Milana graduated with her B.A. from the University of New England and went on to receive her doctorate from William James College (WJC). She was a part of the Children and Families of Adversity and Resilience (CFAR) program while at WJC. Her doctoral training also included therapeutic services across a variety of settings, including an elementary school, the Family Health Center of Worcester and at Roger Williams University.
Dr. Milana grew up in Maine and enjoys trips back home to see her family throughout the year. She currently resides in Wrentham, Massachusetts, with her husband and two golden retrievers. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and cheering on the Patriots, Bruins, Red Sox, and Celtics.
To book an appointment with Dr. Miranda Milana or another expert NESCA neuropsychologist, please complete our Intake Form today.
NESCA is a pediatric neuropsychology practice and integrative treatment center with offices in Newton, Plainville, and Hingham, Massachusetts; Londonderry, New Hampshire; the greater Burlington, Vermont region; and Brooklyn, New York (coaching services only) serving clients from infancy through young adulthood and their families. For more information, please email info@nesca-newton.com or call 617-658-9800.
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