(APD) Auditory Processing Disorder—Easily Explained!

by Cindy Lumpkin | Special Education Teacher, All Things SPED, Learning

Auditory Processing Disorder, often called APD or central auditory processing disorder, can be a confusing and frustrating experience for many people who have it.

But what exactly is this specific learning disability, and how does it affect those who live with it?

As parents and teachers, we need to know what it is, what it looks like, and how we can treat it. Why? Because our students can TRIUMPH in life with help.

Let’s jump right in and break it down to understand APD better. In this blog, you will learn the following:

Defining Auditory Processing Disorder
Auditory Processing Disorder Subtypes
Symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Everyday Struggles of Auditory Processing Disorder
Real-Life Examples of APD in Children
The Consequences of Miscommunication
Auditory Processing Disorder Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions

Defining Auditory Processing Disorder

Auditory processing refers to how the brain takes in and understands sounds, such as the sound of someone speaking in conversation or the sound coming from a video.

In layman’s terms, it’s what the brain does with what the brain hears. According to WebMD, between 2% and 7% of kids have it, and boys are more likely to have it than girls.

When someone speaks, our ears pick up the sounds, and then the brain processes that information to make sense of it.

For most people, this process is smooth and seamless. However, for those with APD, there can be disruptions in this journey from ear to brain.

People who have ADP brains don’t “hear” sounds in the usual way.

Thus, preventing them from understanding what they are hearing. Can you imagine how terribly frustrating this can be for the person who has APD?

Imagine your child or student listening to the lecture in class, and the teacher says, “Look at the cows over there.” But your student heard, “Look at the clowns on air.”

Now you understand just how frustrating having APD can be for a person and how it can impact learning and, for adults, their job performance.

Auditory Processing Disorder Subtypes

There are six subtypes of auditory processing disorder, and some people may experience more than one type. These primary types include:

Decoding—struggles in understanding spoken words or processing verbal information.
Associative—defined by information becoming stalled during processing, which results in a person being unable to understand how language connects together.
Integration—difficulty multitasking while listening or coordinating between brain hemispheres.
Prosodic—issues with tone, inflection, or implied meanings, complicating thought processes while listening.
Tolerance Fading Memory—an inability to retain auditory information as well as a significant inability to process information with background noise present.
Output/Organizational – problems with planning, organizing, or acting on incoming information effectively.

These types highlight varied auditory challenges affecting communication and processing efficiency.

However, it is important to remember that APD can manifest uniquely in each individual and often involves a combination of auditory challenges.

Symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

APD can impact a student’s speech and their ability to read, write, and spell.

For example, they might leave off the ends of words or confuse sounds that are similar, such as “cat” and “cap.”

Social communication can also be a challenge. Processing what others say and responding appropriately may take longer, which can make conversations more difficult.

For instance, they might struggle to keep up in group discussions or respond quickly to questions. The symptoms of APD will vary based on subtypes and it can also affect everyday interactions and learning.

Everyday Struggles of Auditory Processing Disorder

Imagine trying to have a conversation on a noisy cell phone call. With all the background noise you hear, it causes the message to get distorted.

Your brain has to work overtime to figure out what the other person is saying. This is a glimpse into what someone with APD experiences daily.

People with APD may often hear sounds muffled or mixed with background noise. This can lead to misunderstandings and frustration, especially in noisy settings like classrooms or restaurants.

It’s important to understand that APD impacts both children and adults.

Real-Life Examples of APD in Children

Auditory processing disorder in children can lead to poor school performance and social isolation.

Think about a classroom setting. If a teacher says, “Please raise your hand,” a student with APD might mishear it as, “Please change your plan.”

This confusion can lead to unexpected reactions from the teacher and stress for the student, who didn’t even understand the instruction.

Another common experience shared by teenagers is that sounds from farther away seem clearer than those close by.

This creates a constant battle to follow conversations, leaving them feeling overwhelmed and lost. Please understand children still grow up to be adults with auditory processing disorders.

The Consequences of Miscommunication

Misunderstandings due to APD can cause more than just confusion. They can lead to arguments, learning difficulties, and even behavioral issues.

When one person says something and the other hears it wrong, it can create unnecessary tension.

Imagine how auditory processing disorders in adults impact their lives, relationships, and work environments.

I often say, “Children with differences grow up to be adults with differences.” Somehow we often forget that.

Although there are different things that one can do to improve life and learning with APD, there is no cure. Kids don’t outgrow having a central processing disorder.

Auditory Processing Disorder Treatment

The good news is that APD is treatable! However, it’s important to understand that it’s not curable.

Understanding the disorder and its effects is the first step toward finding solutions. With the right support and interventions, those with APD can improve their auditory processing skills and enhance their communication.

Conclusion of Auditory Processing Disorder—Easily Explained

Living with Auditory Processing Disorder can be challenging, but knowledge and treatment can make a difference.

By understanding how APD affects everyday interactions, we can foster empathy and support for those navigating this disorder.

With the right tools, people with APD can learn to communicate more effectively and reduce the frustration that often accompanies this specific learning disability.

Frequently Asked Questions About Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

Is Auditory Processing Disorder Curable?

No, APD cannot be cured. However, its symptoms can be managed with strategies and interventions that help reduce its impact. For instance, using structured routines or noise-canceling headphones can create a less overwhelming environment.

What Is the Best Hearing Aid for APD?

Instead of traditional hearing aids, assistive listening devices (ALDs) are often recommended. These devices amplify speech while minimizing background noise, making conversations in busy settings easier to follow.

Does Auditory Processing Disorder Affect Reading?

Yes, it can. Reading involves interpreting sounds, so APD may make it harder for individuals to connect written words with their sounds. For example, difficulty hearing subtle differences in sounds might affect phonics-based learning. However, with support, many individuals develop strong reading skills.

Are APD and Autism Related?

While there is no proven direct link, APD symptoms are common in individuals with autism. Both conditions can involve challenges with social communication and sensory processing, such as difficulty understanding conversations in noisy environments.

Are APD and ADHD Related?

APD and ADHD often co-occur, but they are distinct conditions. APD affects how sounds are processed, while ADHD involves challenges with focus and impulsivity. For example, a child with APD might mishear instructions, while a child with ADHD might get distracted and miss them altogether.

How Are APD and Memory Connected?

APD can affect memory by disrupting the ability to recall information sequentially. For example, a person might struggle to remember a multi-step instruction if they can’t fully process the order in which it was given.

When Is APD Awareness Day?

APD Awareness Day is observed on April 4 to promote understanding and support for individuals affected by the condition.

Is Auditory Processing Disorder Genetic?

There is evidence that APD often runs in families, suggesting a genetic component. For example, children with APD frequently have parents or siblings who share similar auditory challenges. However, research on this connection is still evolving.