Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

TE 803 Section 10
Ellen Palmer Emily Sape Mary Chase

Introduction: Do any of these situations trouble you?

Easily distracted and cannot refocus? Quieter=Better? Directions? Verbal Problems? Lost in conversations?

SIMULATION!

What is Auditory Processing Disorder?

It is a broad term for a variety of different disorders that affect the way the brain is able to process verbal information in a natural environment.

Characteristics of APD

Usually occurs when there is background noise present Kids can not be tested and diagnosed with APD until they are 7 or 8 years old People with APD usually have problems reading, spelling and reading. Treatment is highly individualized Some causes of APD include head trauma, lead poisoning and chronic ear infections.

Misconceptions of APD

It is not an attention disorder Not all learning, language and communication deficits are due to APD. Often misunderstood for learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder or even depression. Many people who have APD are thought to hear normally when tested in a quiet environment.

Accommodations of APD

No sound in room or noise cancelling headphones. Recorded lectures Organized directions with time allotment Close to the front Long term assignments broken down

Curricular Modifications

Questions are more concise Specific recordings with specific tests Questions are general Less requirements for students to master

Resources
Accommodations: http://www.aitinstitute.org/auditory_processing_classroom_modifications.htm

Blog for APD: http://qw88nb88.wordpress.com/living-with-auditory-processing-disorder/

General Information: http://www.judithpaton.com/

Basic Learning Disorders: http://www.ncld.org/ld-basics/related-issues/information-processing/auditory-processi