Auditory processing disorder (APD)

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), also known as Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), is a complex problem affecting about 5% of school-aged children. These kids can't process what they hear in the same way other kids do because their ears and brain don't fully coordinate. Something interferes with the way the brain recognizes and interprets sounds, especially speech.

Definition

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is a condition where the individual has difficulty processing auditory information. This is not due to a deficit in hearing, intelligence, or language ability. Instead, it is believed to be caused by a dysfunction in the central nervous system.

Symptoms

Symptoms of APD can range from mild to severe and can take many different forms. If you think your child might have a problem processing sounds, ask yourself:

• Does your child have trouble following directions, whether simple or complicated?
• Does your child have trouble with reading, spelling, and writing?
• Does your child often ask you to repeat what you said?
• Does your child have trouble with verbal (word) math problems?
• Does your child have difficulty with comprehension?
• Does your child have difficulty in recalling information from a lecture?

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of APD is typically made by an audiologist. They will likely ask about the child's medical history, do a physical examination, and perform a series of tests. These tests may include Pure tone audiometry, Speech audiometry, and Auditory brainstem response (ABR).

Treatment

Treatment for APD generally focuses on three primary areas: changing the learning or communication environment, recruiting higher-order skills to help compensate for the disorder, and remediation of the auditory deficit itself. The actual method used in each of these areas is highly individual and depends on the exact nature of your child's APD.

See also

• Speech-language pathology
• Audiology
• Special education

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Auditory processing disorder (APD) Resources
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