Definition
Sequential processing is the mental ability to take in, store, and process information in a serial and temporal manner. It is the ability to arrange separate elements into successive steps, when each step is an indicator for later steps. These elements are linked together in a chain-like way. For example, the ability to recall a series of digits, such as a telephone number, or the flow of words in speech, is dependent upon sequential processing (Angus 1985). Sequential processing refers to the manipulation of stimuli one at a time or feature by feature (i.e., performing a series of movements according to instructions, repeating numbers in a specific order) as opposed to simultaneous processing that emphasizes integrated input formed in holistic units (i.e., face processing tasks, analogies). Sequential processing enables the individual to start and complete a single task, in...
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
References and Reading
Angus, J. (1985). The Luria model of information processing. Australian Journal of Educational Technology, 1(1), 59–67. http://www.ascilite.org.au/ajet/ajet1/angus.html.
Gerrard, S., & Rugg, G. (2009). Sensory impairments and autism: A re-examination of causal modelling. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 39, 1449–1463. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-009-0773-9.
Happe, F. (1994). Wechsler IQ profile and theory of mind in autism: A research note. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 35, 1461–1471.
Happe, F., & Frith, U. (2006). The weak coherence account: Detail-focused cognitive style in autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 36(1), 5–25. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-005-0039-0.
Kaufman, A. S., & Kaufman, N. L. (1983). Kaufman assessment battery for children: Interpretive manual. Circle Pines: American Guidance Service.
Powell, L., Houghton, S., & Douglas, G. (1997). Comparison of etiology specific cognitive functioning profiles for individuals with fragile X and individuals with Down syndrome. The Journal of Special Education, 31, 362–376.
Tonn, R. T., & Obrzut, J. E. (2005). The neuropsychological perspective on autism. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 17, 409–419. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-005-6623-6.
Witkin, H. A. (1971). Manual for the embedded figures tests. Palo Alto: Consulting Psychologists Press.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2018 Springer Science+Business Media LLC
About this entry
Cite this entry
Kimhi, Y. (2018). Sequential Processing. In: Volkmar, F. (eds) Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_104-3
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_104-3
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-6435-8
Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-6435-8
eBook Packages: Springer Reference Behavioral Science and PsychologyReference Module Humanities and Social SciencesReference Module Business, Economics and Social Sciences