As educational testing becomes more sophisticated, so does diagnosing or identifying specific Learning Disabilities (LD).

Auditory Processing Disorder is an information processing disorder or Learning Disability (LD). It has nothing to do with the ability to physical ability to hear. This Learning Disability relates to how the brain processes the information that is heard.

Symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder (taken from The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders ) include:

  • Difficulty paying attention
  • Trouble remembering information that is presented verbally
  • Problems completing multi-step directions that are given verbally
  • Poor listening skills
  • Poor school performance
  • Exhibit behavior problems
  • Need more time to process information
  • Difficulties with language – sometimes they confuse the sequence of syllables and understanding language
  • Problems with reading
  • Problems with reading comprehension
  • Trouble with spelling
  • Difficulty with vocabulary

 

What can parents and teachers and others do to help?

  • Providing information in writing
  • Give one verbal instruction at a time
  • Request the person repeat the information back
  • Patience, give the person time to digest the information given

 

Someone experiencing Auditory Processing Disorder may confuse similar sounding words like: “heat” with “beat”; or experience a problem of recognizing the gaps between words and only perceive less words than were really said. This can create a feeling that someone is speaking gibberish or nonsense words. Sometime the person has difficulty connecting the word with its meaning

Remember learning disabilities are a lifelong issue. It is a parent’s responsibility to help their teenager get the additional supports needed in school so that he/she can learn skills to cope, manage and compensate for their learning disability. Do not be afraid to ask for help.

Many times teenagers act out because of their learning disability. Triumph Youth Services has an accredited academic program. They have special education teachers and understand the needs of students with learning disabilities. Call them today for help.

Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auditory_processing_disorder