Auditory Processing Disorder

What is APD?

Having an auditory processing disorder means you’re unable to make optimal use of what you hear. APD isn’t uncommon. It affects about one child in every classroom on average. 

Children with auditory processing difficulties can hear spoken messages, but they may not make sense of what they hear. They may have trouble listening in noisy environments, understanding and following instructions and remembering information they’ve heard. Without intervention, APD may lead to difficulties with literacy, speech, language, learning and communication.

Could my child have APD?

Perhaps your child’s teacher has mentioned something, or you may have observed listening behaviours in your child that you’re worried about. The first thing to do is book an appointment with a qualified paediatric audiologist at Can:Do Hearing, if your child is aged six years or over.

We’ll ask you to complete a medical history questionnaire with details of other specialists they’ve seen, such as a speech pathologist. When the audiologist has decided which tests they need to carry out and conducted those tests, they will talk you through the assessment results and our recommendations.

What happens after an APD diagnosis?

Your paediatric audiologist will work with you to develop the best management plan for your child. We may suggest:

• Working with your school on classroom strategies to maximise your child’s learning.
• Implementing strategies to develop your child’s listening and communication skills.
• Implementing a soundfield system or assistive technology.
• Involving health professionals from Can:Do 4Kids such as speech pathologists trained in APD therapies.
• Using computer-based auditory training programs developed in line with scientific research.

When you’re ready, make an appointment or give us a call if you’d like more information.