Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is a biological condition resulting in difficulty understanding what is being heard. This disorder is not a challenge with hearing the information, and children with APD can in fact have hyper-acute hearing. The 26 letters of the English alphabet create 44 distinct sounds. Children with APD may have difficulty distinguishing between some of these sounds, which can inherently result in social and academic challenges (e.g., “largest box” may be heard as “large stock”). Further, word timing can also be affected (e.g., being able to hear the difference between greenhouse and green house, or implied commas or periods in speech). Often, children with APD will present as distracted, which can lead to a misdiagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Diagnosis and Treatment
APD is generally diagnosed by an audiologist who conducts a comprehensive hearing test. This test will include tasks such as locating the origin of sounds, differentiating between similar sounds, identifying speech patterns, and picking up speech when background speech is present. Treatment may occur with an audiologist, speech therapist, or occupational therapist. Interventions will target the skills addressed above, as well as identify environmental modifications that could help (e.g., a personal FM system or providing visual handouts). If you suspect your child has auditory processing issues, seek out an audiologist to have the challenges formally assessed.
Reference:
McEvoy, R.E., Gangwish, K., & Jones, M. (2016). Child decoded: Unlocking complex issues in your child’s behavior, learning and attention. Louisville, CO: L.E.A.R.N., LLC.