Accompanying Conditions (Central) Auditory Processing Disorder

(Central) Auditory Processing Disorder - (C)APD is a receptive language disorder. It refers to difficulties in the decoding and storing of auditory information - usually incoming verbal messages. The terms "central auditory processing" and "auditory processing" are interchangeable.

Children with APD's may demonstrate difficulties in speech, language, and/or learning, especially in the areas of spelling and reading. They may also appear hearing impaired, be inattentive, easily distractible, and have difficulty following oral directions.

An Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) is usually the first to assess a child who has difficulty listening and following directions, but an auditory processing problem cannot be completely assessed without the help of an audiologist. Both the SLP and the Audiologist use standardized testing, questionnaires, and behavioral inventories to evaluate CAPD's.

Often, people with APDs are visual spatial learners. "Visual-spatial learners are individuals who think in pictures rather than in words. They have a different brain organization than auditory-sequential learners. They learn better visually than auditorally. They learn all-at-once, and when the light bulb goes on, the learning is permanent. They do not learn from repetition and drill." from Visual-Spatial Learners: An introduction by Linda Kreger Silverman, Ph.D

Articles:

What are CAPD's? Read this excellent article by Judith W. Paton: "Central Auditory Processing Disorders (CAPD's)"

Florida Technical Assitance Paper on APDs in the school; a comprehensive and informative resource. Acrobat Reader is required to view this file.

I Think in Pictures, You Teach in Words by Lesley Sword. 'This paper will concentrate on the ...visual spatial learner who is “at risk” in the school environment unless their learning style is identified and appropriate modifications are made to learning and teaching practices."

Links:

Dolfrog's site - "helpful (C)APD and invisible disability connections". Developed by an adult with APD. Lots of great links and information about APDs and invisible learning disabilities.

Open Directory Project

"Sounds of CAPD" hear some sound clips to get an idea of how things sound to a person with an auditory processing disorder.

Products and Equipment:


Books understanding APDs

Classroom equipment for students with APDs. Modifying the classroom acoustics using sound field amplifiers and auditory trainers.

Remediation Materials for CAPD - books, tapes, software.

Treatment:

Fast ForWord or Earobics? - comments by Dr. Paula Tallal of the Scientific Learning Corporation.


Support and Information:

CAPD Mailing List - for non-professionals. Browse or search the archives for information on Central Auditory Processing Disorders, support, treatment, rehabilitation, education, and tips. Join this list for daily messages or digest. This is a very active list and lots of good information is shared.

Conferences from the NCAPD

Support Resources


E-mail us with your APD resource suggestions

Ask questions & find answers at Speechville's message board!