Auditory Processing Disorder “A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.”

What is Auditory Processing Disorder? A term used to describe a wide range of disabilities in which there is some impairment in the brain’s ability to process auditory stimuli and interpret it in a meaningful way.

The IDEA Act defines Auditory Processing disorder as “a disability that causes problems in comprehending the social and interpersonal content of language…stemming from the fact that the disability makes it difficult to separate communication from background noise.”

Some Characteristics Difficulty understanding spoken language in competing messages, noisy backgrounds, or reverberant environments Difficulty maintaining focus on an activity if other sounds are present

More Characteristics Misunderstood messages Inconsistent or inappropriate responses Frequent requests for repetition Difficulty with long conversations or multi- step directions Difficulty with reading, spelling or other learning

Incidence From 2-3% to 7% of the population Twice as prevalent in males than in females Most widely diagnosed in children and the elderly

Potential Causes The cause is often unknown, but it could be –Genetic –Tumor –Head trauma –Viral infection –Degenerative disorder –Lead poisoning –Oxygen deprivation

Accommodations/Modifications/Strategie s Auditory Training Signal Enhancement Strategies (including assistive technology and instructional strategies) Environmental Modifications

Simple modifications –Installing carpets –Curtains –Seals on doors –Rubber shoes on doors Architectural interventions

Instructional Modifications Repetition Rephrasing Slowed speech Shortened speech Emphasis of key points Increased response time Visual aids Multimedia reinforcement

Assistive Technology Auditory training softwareAssistive Listening Devices

Assistive listening devices are used for hearing improvement in large area listening situations made more difficult due to noise, distance, and reverberation. FM systems The teacher speaks into a microphone which transmits the sounds to the child’s ear through a receiver the child is wearing.

Auditory Training Software

Earobics Intended to improve phonological, attention, and memory skills

PHONOMENA Used to improve auditory discrimination

Geared toward improving auditory and language processing abilities

Community Resources internet communities for parentsinternet communities for parents CAPD Parents’ Page Adults with CAPD