2.4 Explain the effects of learning difficulties on perception, memory and information processing

This guide will help you answer 2.4 Explain the effects of learning difficulties on perception, memory and information processing.

Learning difficulties can affect the way someone sees, hears, understands and remembers information. These effects can vary greatly between individuals. Some people may only be affected in certain areas, while others face wider challenges that impact their daily life and work.

As a healthcare support worker, it is important to understand how these difficulties may influence perception, memory and information processing, so that you can adapt your approach and provide effective support.

Perception

Perception means the way a person interprets and makes sense of what they see, hear, feel, taste and smell. Learning difficulties can alter this process. For example, someone with dyslexia may see letters and words as jumbled or moving on a page, making reading harder. This is not a problem with eyesight, but rather the way the brain processes visual information.

Perceptual challenges can include:

• Visual distortion where letters or numbers appear reversed or out of order
• Difficulty recognising faces or distinguishing similar shapes
• Trouble judging distances or spatial awareness
• Misinterpreting sounds or confusing similar sounding words

If perception is altered, it can cause misunderstandings or lead to mistakes. For instance, a person may misinterpret verbal instructions because they hear the wrong sound or cannot focus on the speaker’s voice in a noisy environment. This can delay tasks or cause frustration.

Some conditions linked to perceptual difficulties include dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, autism spectrum conditions and certain brain injuries. Each can affect how the senses pick up and interpret information. A healthcare worker should be aware that the person might not be ignoring instructions, but simply perceiving them differently.

Visual Perception

Visual perception issues can mean someone struggles to read, follow diagrams, or track moving objects. They might miss important visual cues, such as warning signs or facial expressions. This can lead to social misunderstandings or safety risks in practical situations.

For example:

• Missing a step when following a written recipe
• Misjudging the approach of a moving vehicle
• Not noticing changes in a colleague’s facial expression that indicate distress

Clear, uncluttered visual materials and calm environments can help. Using bold fonts, keeping text short, and avoiding background patterns can make reading easier.

Auditory Perception

Auditory processing problems affect how someone understands spoken language and other sounds. A person may struggle to filter background noise, making it hard to follow conversations in busy areas. They might mix up similar sounds, such as ‘b’ and ‘d’, leading to misheard instructions.

For example:

• Hearing “cut the green wire” as “cut the brown wire”
• Confusing names with similar sounds
• Missing parts of a sentence because of slow decoding in the brain

Speaking slowly, using clear language, and checking understanding can make a big difference. Written instructions can back up spoken ones for security.

Memory

Memory is the ability to store and recall information. Learning difficulties can affect both short-term and long-term memory. Short-term memory problems can make it hard to remember instructions, names, or details just heard. This can impact work tasks where multi-step instructions are common.

Long-term memory problems affect recalling things learned in the past. A person may need repeated practice before retaining the information. This is not about intelligence, but how the brain stores and retrieves memories.

Types of memory affected can include:

• Working memory – holding and using information for a short time, such as mental maths
• Procedural memory – remembering how to do tasks, like making tea or using equipment
• Semantic memory – recalling facts
• Episodic memory – remembering past experiences

A person with poor working memory may struggle with mental problem-solving or remembering multi-step tasks unless supported by reminders or visual prompts.

Impact on Short-Term Memory

Short-term memory problems can lead to:

• Forgetting verbal instructions moments after hearing them
• Losing track of what they are doing if interrupted
• Struggling to remember sequences, such as the order of medication steps

Support can include breaking tasks into smaller parts, giving instructions one at a time, and using written notes or diagrams to back up spoken directions.

Impact on Long-Term Memory

With long-term memory issues, a person may need more repetition to learn skills. They could forget workplace procedures if they are not used regularly. Offering refreshers, practice sessions and accessible guides can reduce mistakes and anxiety.

Information Processing

Information processing means taking in information, making sense of it, and responding appropriately. Learning difficulties can slow this process or cause errors in understanding. This can happen with both spoken and written material.

Processing speed varies. Some people need extra time to understand instructions, read documents, or answer questions. Others may misinterpret complex sentences, leading to mistakes. Stress, sensory overload and fatigue can make this worse.

Processing issues can include:

• Difficulty understanding abstract concepts
• Trouble linking new information with existing knowledge
• Problems switching between tasks or topics
• Feeling overwhelmed by too much information at once

People with autism or ADHD may process information differently, focusing intensely on details but missing the overall meaning, or being distracted before completing a task.

Cognitive Overload

Cognitive overload happens when too much information is presented too quickly. The brain struggles to process all of it, leading to confusion or errors. For example, giving a long list of tasks in one go may cause someone to forget half of them before starting.

To reduce overload:

• Present information slowly
• Break tasks into steps
• Give clear, simple instructions
• Use visual supports for memory

Supporting Perception Challenges in Health and Social Care

Workers can make communication more effective by adjusting how they present information. This can include:

• Using plain language and avoiding technical terms where possible
• Providing clear visual aids like diagrams or photos
• Minimising background noise during conversations
• Checking understanding by asking the person to repeat instructions back

Recognising that perception changes are real and valid helps build trust. Avoid assuming that someone is careless or inattentive; their difficulty may be genuine.

Supporting Memory Challenges in Health and Social Care

Strategies for supporting someone with memory difficulties include:

• Breaking down instructions into smaller parts
• Using repeat reminders and prompts
• Keeping information consistent across different staff members
• Allowing extra time for rehearsal and recall
• Encouraging use of personal organisers or digital reminders

Making tasks structured and predictable helps the person feel more confident.

Supporting Information Processing Challenges in Health and Social Care

When processing speed or comprehension is slow, give more time for thinking and replying. Avoid rushing. Rephrase instructions if the person looks uncertain. Avoid overwhelming them with complex documents or speeches.

Helpful approaches:

• Short, clear sentences
• One topic at a time
• Use of examples and demonstrations
• Follow-up with visual or written material

In meetings or group discussions, ensure the person has a copy of the agenda and any notes well in advance.

Combined Effects on Daily Life

Learning difficulties often affect perception, memory and information processing together. A person may mishear instructions because of auditory perception issues, forget those instructions because of poor working memory, and struggle to react quickly due to slow processing speed. This combined impact can cause stress, mistakes, and low confidence.

In health and social care settings, this may lead to difficulties in following safety procedures, communicating with colleagues, or recording information accurately. Support from colleagues and managers can improve outcomes and morale.

Adaptations in Healthcare Support Roles

In healthcare roles, workers may need to adapt tasks for someone with these challenges. Examples include:

• Simplifying paperwork with clear layouts
• Giving feedback in a calm, quiet place
• Allowing more time for responding to questions
• Offering practical demonstrations rather than only written instructions

These changes can improve accuracy and reduce misunderstandings.

Respect and Patience

Patience is important when supporting someone with these challenges. Avoid showing frustration or rushing them. Respect their dignity by involving them in discussions about support methods. Some may prefer visual aids, others may like verbal support. Ask what works best.

Training and Awareness

Healthcare workers benefit from ongoing training to understand different learning difficulties. Practical exercises on communication methods, perception problems, memory aids and processing strategies can make support more effective.

Final Thoughts

Perception, memory and information processing play a major role in how we learn, work and interact. Learning difficulties can change the way these systems operate, creating barriers that might not be visible at first. By recognising these effects and offering practical adjustments, you can help people manage tasks more effectively and with less stress.

Small changes such as using plain language, breaking down instructions, giving extra processing time, and providing visual support can make a significant difference. The goal should always be to remove unnecessary obstacles and give every person a fair chance to succeed in their role and daily life.