Patient Care

Auditory Processing Program

What is Auditory Processing Disorder?

Auditory processing has been described as what we do with what we hear. An individual with an auditory processing disorder has trouble understanding speech despite normal hearing. Most people with APD have normal intelligence.

What are some symptoms of APD?

Poor listening skills
Difficulty following auditory directions
Difficulty understanding in noisy situations
Difficulty with phonics
Delayed responses to questions or in conversation
Misunderstands what is said
Frequently says “huh” or “what”
Difficulty following conversations in groups
Organizational problems
Social skill deficit

What academic problems are common with APD?

Reading problems including reading word accuracy and reading comprehension
Difficulty with divided attention tasks, such as note-taking
Difficulty making inferences
Difficulty copying from the board
Poor spelling
Poor attention to verbal stimuli

How is Auditory Processing assessed?

The team that evaluates APD includes an Audiologist and a Speech Pathologist. A psychoeducational evaluation can be arranged, if your child does not have a current one. Who does the program benefit?

How will this assessment benefit my child?

Upon completion of the evaluations, you will meet with a team member who will explain the results, answer questions, and discuss recommendations. The recommendations may include:

Speech Therapy to address your child’s areas of need
A list of strategies to be used in the home and at school that will help your child achieve academic success
Classroom accommodations
The use of an assistive listening device to improve the signal to noise ratio

What can I expect when we come for the evaluation?

An interview will be conducted with a team member to determine your child’s specific strengths and limitations in the home and at school followed by evaluations with the following professionals:

Audiology assessment may include: