How to Recognize Auditory Processing Disorder in Children

  Editor’s Note: This post was excerpted from Audiology Island’s blog. What is an auditory processing disorder? The simplest way to explain what defines an auditory processing disorder (APD) is to realize the role of the central nervous system, or CNS, in APD. The CNS malfunctions and causes an uncoordinated relationship between the ears and the nervous system’s ability to fully process sounds and language. APD causes issues with: Understanding language Remembering information Processing conversation However, several other disorders share these hallmark symptoms. Similar disorders that might get mistaken for APD include: Autism Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Developmental disorders To understand how to differentiate APD from other disorders, it helps to recognize that it does not stem from any other greater cognitive or language disorder. Although these other issues might exist in conjunction, many children with APD don’t experience any other disorders. How is a child diagnosed with auditory processing disorder? APD is a complex and nuanced disorder, so best practice requires performing an accurate and detailed assessment of any child presenting with the following symptoms: Difficulty discerning words in a noisy environment. Problems following directions. Issues differentiating between speech and other sounds. Problems spelling or reading. Understanding information in the classroom. These symptoms in and of themselves don’t necess...
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - Category: Speech Therapy Authors: Tags: Audiology auditory processing disorder Hearing Assistive Technology hearing loss hearing protection Source Type: blogs