Auditory processing disorder
APD
Auditory processing disorder (APD) is a condition that affects the way the brain processes auditory information, particularly speech sounds
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APD is not related to hearing loss, but rather to difficulties in processing and interpreting auditory information, which can result in difficulties with speech and language, learning, and social interactions.
People with APD may have difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments, following directions, or distinguishing between similar sounds. They may also have difficulty with phonemic awareness, which is the ability to recognize and manipulate individual sounds in words, and may struggle with reading and spelling.
Diagnosis of APD typically involves a comprehensive audiological evaluation, which may include tests to assess hearing acuity, speech recognition, and auditory processing abilities. Treatment for APD may involve auditory training, speech-language therapy, or other interventions to help improve communication and language skills.
It is important to note that there is no single “cure” for APD, and treatment may need to be tailored to the individual’s specific needs and challenges. However, with the right diagnosis and intervention, many people with APD can make significant improvements in their ability to understand and process auditory information.
What are the main problem areas for children with APD?
Here are the five main problem areas that can affect both home and school activities for children with APD:
- Auditory Figure-Ground Problems: This is when the child can't pay attention when there is noise in the background. Noisy, low-structured classrooms could be very frustrating for this child.
- Auditory Memory Problems: This is when the child has difficulty remembering information such as directions, lists, or study materials. It can be immediate (i.e. "I can't remember it now") and/or delayed (i.e. "I can't remember it when I need it for later").
- Auditory Discrimination Problems: This is when the child has difficulty hearing the difference between sounds or words that are similar (COAT/BOAT or CH/SH). This problem can affect following directions, reading, spelling, and writing skills, among others.
- Auditory Attention Problems: This is when the child can't maintain focus for listening long enough to complete a task or requirement (such as listening to a lecture in school). Although health, motivation, and attitude may also affect attention, among other factors, a child with APD cannot (not will not) maintain attention.
- Auditory Cohesion Problems: (pragmatic skills): This is when higher-level listening tasks are difficult. Auditory cohesion skills - drawing inferences from conversations, understanding riddles, or comprehending verbal math problems - require heightened auditory processing and language levels. They develop best when all the other skills (levels one through four above) are intact.