• Auditory Processing

     

    Auditory Processing Disorders (also known as Central Auditory Processing Disorder) is a condition that affects a child's ability to recognize subtle differences between sounds in words.  This may impact their ability to understand what other people are saying.  There are several components of auditory processing including:
     
        - Auditory discrimination: The ability to notice, compare and distinguish between sounds.
        - Auditory figure-ground discrimination:  The ability to focus on the important sounds in a noise setting.
        - Auditory memory:  The ability to recall what you have heard either immediately or at a later time.
        - Auditory sequencing:  The ability to understand and recall the order of sounds or words.
        - Auditory cohesion:  The ability to complete higher level language tasks such as making inferences and drawing conclusions, understanding humor, and making presicitions.
     
    Some behaviors in children with Auditory Processing Disorders may include:
        - Difficulty following multi-step directions.
        - Easily distracted, especially by background noise or sudden noises.
        - Asking speakers to repeat what they have said , or saying "huh" or "what".
        - Trouble with reading or spelling.
        -  Difficulty with oral or word math problems.
        - Difficulty following conversations.
        - Trouble remembering details or what was read or heard.
        - Difficulty finding the right word to use.
        - Articulation errors that persist longer than they should
        - Difficulty following classroom discussions, or making off-topic contributions
        - Trouble understanding riddles, jokes, and sarcasm.
     
    Auditory Processing Disorders can be diagnosed by an audiologist.  A speech/language pathologist can administer tests that measure receptive language and listening comprehension skills.  The information gained from both of these assessments can help develop a plan to help the student understand the language used with in the school setting .

     
    Ways to help your child at home:
    • Establish eye contact prior to giving directions
    • Break directions down into smaller steps
    • Have your child repeat the question or direction to ensure comprehension
    • Provide ample wait time after asking a question or giving a direction
    • Encourage them to self advocate and ask for repetition or clarification if needed