People with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) experience issues with the way their brain uses and interprets sound. It can affect their ability to focus, comprehend or recall information and is most common in children under 15 years of age. Unlike other issues that can affect focus or comprehension, APD is not caused by higher-order intellectual disorders. It may, however, co-exist with certain issues, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In this article we will review the diagnosis process a child will experience if he or she is suspected to have APD, as well as looking at the steps involved with treatment.
Diagnosis of APD
Formal diagnosis of Auditory Processing Disorder is carried out primarily by Audiologists – such as …show more content…
Literacy issues (trouble with reading and spelling).
Treatment of Auditory Processing Disorder
In the short term, treatment often involves changing the child’s learning environment. For example, remote-microphone hearing aids may be used in conjunction with teacher-orientated strategies. They would work together to improve the amount of auditory information the child can use. Over time, it is ideal for the child’s auditory and language processing skills to be built up to a point where they no longer need additional support. The long term element of treatment will also often focus on training their problem solving, memory, attention and other mental skills. girl listening with ears cupped
Speech-Language Therapy as Part of APD Treatment
At all stages of treatment, speech-language therapy is useful (and in some cases, essential). Speech-language therapy does not directly work on the hearing issues themselves in people with APD; once hearing problems have been addressed by an Audiologist, it is used to remedy the affect those hearing problems have had on language, language processing and speech clarity. Areas a Speech Therapist will focus on for a child with APD
Diagnosis of APD
Formal diagnosis of Auditory Processing Disorder is carried out primarily by Audiologists – such as …show more content…
Literacy issues (trouble with reading and spelling).
Treatment of Auditory Processing Disorder
In the short term, treatment often involves changing the child’s learning environment. For example, remote-microphone hearing aids may be used in conjunction with teacher-orientated strategies. They would work together to improve the amount of auditory information the child can use. Over time, it is ideal for the child’s auditory and language processing skills to be built up to a point where they no longer need additional support. The long term element of treatment will also often focus on training their problem solving, memory, attention and other mental skills. girl listening with ears cupped
Speech-Language Therapy as Part of APD Treatment
At all stages of treatment, speech-language therapy is useful (and in some cases, essential). Speech-language therapy does not directly work on the hearing issues themselves in people with APD; once hearing problems have been addressed by an Audiologist, it is used to remedy the affect those hearing problems have had on language, language processing and speech clarity. Areas a Speech Therapist will focus on for a child with APD