Anybdody have a child with Audio Processing Disorder?

Question

My four year old daughter was just diagnosed with Audio Processing Disorder (APD). Has anybody else had experience with this disorder? If so, what treatments or practices have worked?

Answer 1

It is very real, dispite what others may say. I teach hearing impaired and over the years have had many kids who seem to have it in addition to their hearing impairment.

I have used music and learing tapes with music as I know that music actually uses other paret of the brain so combined with language stimulates more areas and thus builds more neural pathways.

I also encourage reading every picture book you can get your hands on, seating her in your lap and reading with expression, right up close to her head.

I like hooked on Phonics but saw some DVD's which have visuals I liked even more..can't recall the name.I like pictures and used to cut them out and have them handy when we were cooking so my younger classes could have mnemonic device to remember what they wanted to say.

I think using as many modalities is the key..and not letting the TV or computer do the work- interactive communication, playgroups, summer camp, city programs for art or other expression, dance all help- love and hugs and a feeling of accomplishment outside of "speech and language" very important as "we " professionals tend to focus on what's missing instead of what's inside!

Answer 2

It seems APD gets more controversial with each year. You sometimes hear it called Central Processing Disorder, but brain research indicates that processing of auditory information happens in several locations.

I heard an audiologist say a couple of years ago that about half of all audiologists don't even believe it exists. At that time, she said there were no practices that had been proven to work by clinical research. There should be some recommendations in the assessment reports. You can try those.