The Times recently published an article written by Professor Tanya Byron about Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). In the article, Prof. Byron explains what APD is, how it may affect people, and what treatment and support is available. You can read the article here:

 

APD is a relatively newly diagnosed condition, first noted in

the 1960s (MRC Institute of Hearing Research, 2004). For

this reason, much is still unknown about APD – particularly

the reasons why it may occur in the first place. Although

the name suggests some kind of hearing difficulty, this is

not the case – most people with APD have excellent

hearing. Their difficulty lies in processing what they have

heard. For example, a child with APD can hear a teacher

asking them a question, but may not be able to understand

the words being spoken.

 

Children with APD may refuse to join in with class discussions or may respond inappropriately because they need more time to process what is being said. They may seem to be withdrawn or sullen, because they cannot understand. Their attention may be poor, and they may need spoken language to be repeated a number of times to reassure themselves that they have understood. For these reasons it is easy to see that a child with APD can be unfairly mistaken for a child with behavioural difficulties.

What is becoming increasingly apparent is that people with APD really benefit from a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. APD is not just a pure speech & language disorder. Audiologists should be involved to rule out hearing loss and advise how to improve a listening environment. Psychologists can help with anxiety or self-esteem issues, and any other cognitive difficulties that may co-occur, such as poor attention. Speech and language therapists can support the person’s understanding of language and advise how to improve classroom/social situations to maximise their communicative abilities. Teachers and support staff will be actively encouraged to provide support where possible, including wearing microphones, using visual support, reducing background noise and preventing potentially negative comments from classmates.

I.T.S. can liaise with and if necessary supplement statutory services (e.g. NHS, schools, Local Education Authority) to ensure that people with APD receive a high level of care and support. For more information about how I.T.S. may be of help, please visit the ‘Contact Us’ page:  https://integratedtreatmentservices.co.uk/contact-us/

Further Information

 

Bellis, T.J. (2002). When The Brain Can’t Hear. UK: Simon & Schuster Ltd. Available at Amazon:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/When-Brain-Cant-Bellis-James/dp/0743428641 

MRC Institute of Hearing Research (2004). Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). Retrieved June 11, 2010 from http://apd.apduk.org/mrcihrapd.htm

 

Treharne, D. (2003). Management of Auditory Processing Disorder. Retrieved June 11, 2010 from http://apd.apduk.org/managapd.htm


Sarah Bennington – June 2010

Written on behalf of Integrated Treatment Services. ITS is a private Speech and Language Therapy service based in Leicestershire and the East Midlands. It specialises in providing highly-skilled speech and language therapists, but also associates with other therapeutic professionals, including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists and Creative Expres


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