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
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 They may seem to be withdrawn or sullen, because they cannot understand.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.
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
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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/0743428641Â
MRC Institute of Hearing Research (2004). Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). Retrieved June 11, 2010 from http://apd.apduk.org/mrcihrapd.htm
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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
