What is Auditory Processing Disorder?
Auditory Processing Disorder is really an umbrella term that describes various sub-types of disordered auditory processing in a child or an adult. A person with disordered processing has normal hearing, as measured on a hearing test, but does not seem to "hear well" or understand what is heard. Hearing and understanding may be inconsistent. Processing of sound is disordered in the pathways from the auditory (hearing) nerve through the brainstem and higher auditory pathways in the brain. Auditory processing skills include listening to the information (auditory attention), analyzing the sound or word (auditory decoding or discrimination), attaching meaning according to the rules of language (auditory association), pulling everything into a whole that can be used (integration), and organizing and producing a response (auditory output-organization).
Symptoms
No two persons with APD are alike. A person with APD may have a combination of different auditory processing problems or just one type of processing problem. Indications of possible APD can include some of the following symptoms:
- Parent or teacher concern about hearing or listening ability
- Academic performance is generally poor despite normal hearing, normal non-verbal intelligence (performance IQ), and normal visual processing skills
- Difficulty following directions
- Distractibility in background noise
- Inattentiveness or short attention span
- Poor or inconsistent memory for auditory information Problems in spelling words that are dictated
- Need for repetition
- Says "what" or "huh" a lot
- Inconsistent response to sound or “selective listening”
- Hears but doesn’t understand
- Delayed or inappropriate response to verbal questions
- Functions as if there is mild hearing loss despite normal hearing
- Bothered by loudness
- Reading or spelling problems
- Language disorder
- Presence of Attention Deficit Disorder (the two disorders often co-exist)
- History of chronic otitis media (middle ear fluid)
Classroom & Workplace Modifications & Accommodations
1. Reduce or minimize auditory distractions
2. Reduce or minimize visual distractions 3. Flexible preferential treatment 4. Provide isolated area in the classroom for independent work 5. Make sure that the teacher has your child's attention before giving verbal information or directions 6. Use visual clues, outlines, organizers and study guides as needed 7. Use technology to give visual clues (overheads, computers, etc) 8. Provide alternative test taking options 9. Use ear plugs to reduce distractions 10. Make eye contact when speaking to the worker |
11. Speak a little slower and a little louder
12. Provide additional wait time for worker to process the question. 13. Repeat directions frequently 14. Use written notes instead of relying upon verbal memory. 15. Provide as much organization as possible 16. Provide a quiet work place 17. Stick to a routine 18. Reduce background noise 19. Extend testing time 20. Use an FM system 21. Provide teacher notes 22. Use manipulatives |