5 Main Problem Areas The Can Affect Students with Auditory Processing Disorder

If the auditory deficits aren't identified and managed, many students with APD will face academic challenges. Listed below are 5 main problem areas that can affect students with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

1.    Auditory figure-ground problems: when a child can't pay attention if there's noise in the background. Noisy, low-structured classrooms can be very frustrating.

2.    Auditory memory problems: when a child has difficulty remembering information such as directions, lists, or study materials. It can be immediate ("I can't remember it now") and/or delayed ("I can't remember it when I need it for later").

3.    Auditory discrimination problems: when a child has difficulty hearing the difference between similar words or sounds (COAT/BOAT or CH/SH). This can affect following directions, reading, spelling, and writing.

4.    Auditory attention problems: when a child can't stay focused on listening long enough to complete a task or requirement, such as listening to a teacher in class.

5.    Auditory cohesion problems: when higher-level listening tasks are difficult. Auditory cohesion skills — drawing inferences from conversations, understanding riddles, or comprehending verbal math problems — require heightened auditory processing and language levels. They develop best when all the other skills (levels 1 through 4 above) are intact.

If you are concerned about a student’s progress or suspect a APD then please talk with one of our specialised paediatric Audiologists.

Further information about APD can be found on our website – www.heartoday.org.au