Auditory Processing Management

Children with auditory processing disorders (APDs) have problems understanding spoken language even though they do not suffer from hearing loss. They may have particular difficulty when a speaker uses complex or lengthy language, speaks rapidly, or is surrounded by lots of background noise.

Experts estimate auditory processing disorders affects more than 3 million school-aged children and countless adults. More than half of all children with speech-language impairments and with learning disabilities have underlying auditory processing deficits.

The diagnosis of auditory processing disorder is sometimes confused with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), because of the inability to follow directions or the “tuning out” that occurs. While a child can have both Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and auditory processing disorder, many audiologists first try to rule out Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder before diagnosing an auditory processing disorder.

Signs and Symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorders

Asks “What?” or “Huh” often
Needs remarks repeated
“Ignores” people, especially if engrossed
Has trouble with reading, spelling, or phonics
Has difficulty “keeping up” with conversations in a group
Appears confused or has trouble understanding what others say when there is noise in the background (like in the school cafeteria)
Has difficulty memorizing
Communicates poorly
Develops speech at a late age
Daydreams at school or “acts out”
Finds it difficult to understand abstract language

Don’t Wait for School Struggles

The earlier the child is diagnosed with auditory processing disorder, the better. Parents should not wait until academic and social problems begin spiraling. While hints of the disorder can appear as early as preschool, most recommend testing for auditory processing disorder around 7 years old.

Speech-language pathologists, including the experts at Princeton Speech-Language & Learning Center, and audiologists often work together to diagnose and treat auditory processing disorder. The audiologist will evaluate the individual’s hearing, administer tests to assess central auditory function, make recommendations about treatment strategies, and monitor any changes in hearing status.

Our speech-language pathologists will evaluate the individual’s perception of speech and his or her receptive (understanding) and expressive (spoken) language. These professionals then work together with the child’s teacher and parents to determine the scope of the problem and the most effective treatment techniques.

Learning to Process Spoken Language

There is no “one –size fits all” approach to coping with auditory processing disorder, which is why PSLLC staff members have specialized training and certification in broad range of interventions to treat, manage and cope with auditory processing disorder.

Appropriate Treatments may include:

Fast ForWord® Series
The Listening Program®
Earobics
Social Thinking® Groups
Metacognitive Strategies
Brain Fitness™ Program
Classroom Management Strategies (FM speaker devices, preferred seating, changes in the classroom environment)

If you have concerns about your child’s development, please contact us online, send us an email or call us at (609) 924-7080 to set up a consultation in our office. When appropriate, we will conduct an individualized evaluation of your child to determine the most appropriate therapy and recommendations.