Auditory Processing Disorders
Auditory processing disorder (APD), also known as Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), refers to a condition that impacts the brain’s ability to filter and interpret sounds.
People with APD have normal hearing abilities, but their brains have a hard time receiving, organizing, and making sense of sound. Auditory processing disorder is typically diagnosed in school-aged children.
Signs And Symptoms
Difficulty hearing speech in noisy environments
Difficulty maintaining attention
Problems locating the source of a sound
Difficulty following directions
Commonly asking for information to be repeated
Inability to detect subtle changes in tone
Distracted and inattentive behavior
Difficulty learning to read
Academic difficulties, including poor reading and spelling
Difficulty hearing speech in noisy environments
Auditory Processing Disorder and ADHD
There is considerable overlap between APD and ADHD symptoms. They include:
- Distractibility
- Inattention
- Poor Listening Skills
- Academic Difficulties
- Difficulty Following Directions
