Minimizing the Impact of a Processing Delay

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It seems that no matter how much I study, I still find myself faced with the same problem during every test and exam.

Whenever I am presented with a new block of text or a new set of questions, I find my mind entering minor overload, where I do not comprehend the entirety of the text that is in front of me until it enters my long-term memory. When I am studying at home, I have the freedom of taking the text in through smaller chunks throughout an extended period of time. I need my mind to wander off a little bit and then come back. In a test situation, my mind cannot do that. I have tried pacing around the room where I write my tests, but even though that helps me relieve the stress a little bit, I am still faced with that information overload during tests, which really impacts my ability to perform, preventing me from displaying all of my knowledge on a test or exam.

Do you know what other coping strategies, besides fidgeting or pacing around the room, I could possibly employ to help me cope with this problem?

My son is only 11, but his school is willing to work with his processing delay by allowing him extra time on tests and by providing him with notes before the class as he has a hard time keeping up with notes the teacher gives orally or written on the board.

Does your college know about your problem in this area?

Yes. I get extra time, a separate room, and any other accommodations I need in order to succeed. The problem, at this point, is really about my own struggle. I don't think there are any further accommodations I can receive at this point, I just have to find better coping techniques to deal with this problem.

You could trying drawing a diagram of the problem so as to both help you conceptualize its mechanics faster and give you something to do that might distract you from stress.