Auditory Processing Disorder

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by Eileen Bailey
Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Strategies

Based on the specific problems a child is having, there are a number of strategies parents and teachers can implement to help the child succeed: 

• Seating in the front of the classroom or close to the audio source.
• Provide a quiet study area, free of background noises
• Talking a little louder and articulating words to make sure the child hears each syllable clearly
• Provide instructions or directions one at a time or write down instructions
• Give extra practice on rhyming, breaking a word down into syllables, blending sounds and using similar sounding words
• Provide written notes or outlines for spoken material in class or have another child share or copy notes for the child
• Provide clear signals when moving from one topic to another during class lectures
• Use pictures, images, written words and gestures to reinforce the spoken word and to help in remembering sequencing
• Make eye contact when speaking to your child
• Use stories and rhymes to help in remembering sequencing
• Ask the student to repeat back information or instructions to be sure they have been heard correctly
• For older children and adults request using a tape recorder for lectures 

There is much research going on to help better understand and treat auditory processing disorders. For example, some studies are looking at brain imaging as a way to better diagnose APD as well as to better understand how it impacts the lives of children and adults. Hopefully, results from current and future research will help develop specific interventions and strategies based on individual difficulties.

Monitoring the effectiveness of classroom and home interventions is extremely important, so that changes can be made as necessary to help the child succeed.

Sources:

[1] "Auditory Processing Disorder in Children", Updated 2004, February, National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

"Auditory Processing Disorders: In Detail", 2009, National Center for Learning Disabilities

"Auditory Processing Disorder", Reviewed 2007, November, Reviewed by Thierry Morlet, PhD, Kidshealth.org