2. What is Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)?
A.K.A. Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD)
Neurological defect between the auditory (hearing) nerve
through the higher auditory pathways in the brain
From the outer ear to the brain
Hearing is active, but verbal words are difficult to
interpret, recognize, and use acoustic information in
society
Information processed will result to inaccurate or
incomplete coding of sound because of the delay in the
auditory signal transmission
i.e. Listening to a radio station with static interference
Usually involves social surroundings with background
noises
i.e. playground, cafeterias, school-events, and parties
5% of school-aged children are reported to have APD
Experts estimate that boys are twice likely to have APD
than girls, but there is not evidence to prove the theory
3. What are the common symptoms and questions to ask to identify APD?
Symptoms
Common Symptoms
Constantly saying, “huh?” or “what?”
Ask speakers to repeat what they’ve said
Difficulty remembering detailed information read or
heard
Hard to follow with conversations
Distracted with background noises
Interprets words too literally
Frustrated with certain tasks
Easily distracted or bored when conversations or
activities do not include visuals
Difficult to find the right words in responses
Inability to sing in tune or poor music ability
Questions
Is child easily distracted or unusually bothered by loud or
sudden noises?
Are noisy environments upsetting the child?
Does child’s behavior and performance improve in quieter
settings?
Does child have difficulty following directions, whether
simple or complicated?
Does child have reading, spelling, writing, or other
speech-language difficulties?
Are verbal (oral) math problems difficult for child?
Is child disorganized and forgetful?
Are conversations hard for child to follow?
4. Causes and Prevalence of APD
What causes APD?
Exact causes are unknown, but research suggests:
Premature birth or low birthweight
Head Trauma
Chronic Ear Infections
Lead poisoning
Multiple Causes
What is the Prevalence of APD?
Auditory Processing Disorder is often un/misdiagnosed because of other coexisting disorders
i.e. inattentive, ADHD, dyslexic, LD, PDD, behavior problems, or receptive language disorder
25% children with learning disabilities have APD and Dyslexia
Up to 43% of children with learning difficulties have APD
50% children with dyslexia also have APD
5. What is it like to have Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)?
Here is a story by Jaziah
“Jaziah’s Story Part 1” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj2TYS9dOa4
Skills that are in concern with the affect of APD
Communication – may not speak clearly
Might confuse similar sounds (i.e. free instead of three)
Academics – difficult in subjects of reading, spelling, and writing
Understanding verbal instructions is challenging
Social Skills – trouble telling stories or jokes
May avoid conversations with peers because it’s difficult to process what’s been said and think an appropriate
response
6. Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) Simulation
“Misunderstood Minds” (Activity)
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/misunderstoodmi
nds/experiences/attexp2b.html
How did this activity make you feel?
???
Confused!
Angry!
Frustrated!
This is where an educator will
consider asking parents/caregivers
for diagnosis and treatments
7. How is Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) diagnosed?
Audiologist is properly trained to
conduct tests to diagnose APD
Audiologist is a healthcare professional
trained to evaluate hearing loss and related
disorders
(http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/a
rt.asp?articlekey=10752).
Pediatricians may be the first professional to
visit to check hearing and ear infections
Speech-Language Pathologists and/or
School Psychologists may measure listening
comprehension skills and receptive language
Five main problems an Audiologist look
for in children with APD
1. Auditory figure-ground problems – child can’t
concentrate with background noises
I. Noisy structured classroom
2. Auditory memory problems – difficulty in
remembering verbal information
I. “I can’t remember it now/for later”
3. Auditory discrimination problems – hard to
distinguish similar words and sounds
I. Mistakes Coat/Boat or CH/SH
4. Auditory attention problems – child can’t complete
a task from lack of focus/listening
I. Listening to a lecture in school
5. Auditory cohesion problems – higher-level
listening tasks are difficult
I. Understanding riddles or Comprehending
verbal math problems
8. How to support children with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)?
Accommodations at School
Seating arrangement
Insist students be seated in front of
classroom
Improved acoustics
Close doors and windows to minimize outside
noises
Assistive Technology
Headset with a clip on microphone
Classroom Visuals
Images and gestures as reinforcements
Quiet rooms for taking tests
Special Instruction
Computer programs
At Home
Provide a quiet space for studying, with
background noises at a minimum
Eye contact when speaking
Use one-step directions
Speak slightly slower rate and slightly
high volume
Ask child to repeat directions back to
you, or ask child to write notes as a
reminder
9. Resources and More Information
“Auditory Processing Disorder” Auditory Processing Center, LLC. 541 Hwy 80 West
Suite C, Clinton, MS 39056. Web 17 May 2017. http://auditorycenter.com/what-is-
auditory-processing-disorder/
The Understood Team. “Understanding Auditory Processing Disorder.”
Understood.org. Web 18 May 2017. https://www.understood.org/en/learning-
attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/auditory-processing-
disorder/understanding-auditory-processing-disorder
“Auditory Processing Disorder (APD).” KidsHealth.org. Web 19 May 2017.
http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/central-auditory.html
Editor's Notes
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