Understanding Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) and the Role of Speech Therapy

Preschool Education for Your Little One

One of the basic requirements for a toddler to learn preschool-level concepts is their ability to understand auditory information. This includes understanding verbal instructions, engaging with preschool-level literacy materials (such as stories and rhymes), having a good grasp of phonics, and discriminating between sounds, sound blends, and words. However, children with developmental disorders like Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) may struggle in understanding these concepts, and thus, they would require professional help from speech therapy to empower them with the skills to master these concepts successfully.

Introduction to Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

This article will primarily discuss Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), including its definition, characteristics, diagnosis, and how speech therapy, in collaboration with teachers and other professionals, can help. APD refers to an auditory deficit resulting from the brain's inability to process functional and meaningful auditory stimuli. While language processing and auditory processing are sometimes used interchangeably, it is important to remember that APD is an auditory deficit and not the result of other language, cognitive, or related disorders. Most of the time, these students can complete tasks independently if expectations are clear to them. Therefore, it is incorrect to apply the label APD, even if many of their behaviours appear very similar to those associated with APD.

Misconceptions of Developmental Disorders

There are many disorders that can affect a child's ability to understand auditory information. However, in recent years, increased public awareness of various developmental issues and labels such as ADHD, ADD, ASD (autism), and Dyslexia has led to overgeneralisation, not just by parents but also by educators. This has resulted in a significant increase in misconceptions and misinformation. For example, children with ADHD may struggle with listening in the classroom. However, children with ADHD have intact processing of auditory input from their environment, and it is their attention deficit that hinders their ability to focus on classroom instructions and other auditory input. Similarly, children with autism do not only exhibit an auditory processing deficit but also varying degrees of difficulty in one or more developmental domains, such as spoken language, self-regulation, and sensory integration.

Signs and symptoms of APD

Children with APD often exhibit the following symptoms:

• Taking longer processing time to respond to questions.
• Requesting frequent repetition of information.
• Difficulty following directions.
• Difficulty attending to speech.
• Difficulty keeping up with class discussions.
• Poor listening in noisy environments.
• Poor attention maintenance on presented tasks.
• Difficulty remembering instructions, directions, or verbally presented information.
• Weak phonemic awareness, reading, spelling, and writing abilities.

Presently, there is no gold standard or reliable tests to accurately diagnose APD. Additionally, there is no standalone protocol for its reliable diagnosis. However, studies have concluded that a child should be at least 6-7 years of age to undergo auditory processing testing.

Speech therapy for APD

For many speech therapists and audiologists, early intervention remains challenging due to the complex nature and impact of APD, including poor academic performance and delayed communication skills. Therefore, involving a team of professionals is crucial. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has proposed three common basic elements found in all available resources, known as the ABCs of intervention: Activities (A), identification of barriers (B), and the need for collaboration (C).

Activities (A):

• Engaging in games that involve playing with sounds and language.
• Developing auditory discrimination skills.
• Enhancing localization abilities, which involves locating an acoustic target in space.
• Improving temporal processing skills, which involves using the timing aspects of the auditory signal.
• Enhancing auditory vigilance, which is the ability to wait for a target to change.

Barriers (B):

• Controlling acoustic distractions, such as noise, reverberation, and distance.
• Considering non-acoustic factors.
• Modifying messages or instructions.
• Enhancing message effectiveness.

Collaboration (C):

• Audiologists.
• Speech Therapists.
• Occupational Therapists.
• Specialists in learning disabilities.
• Student.
• Family.

Embracing the Power of Speech Therapy: Empowering Children with APD to Thrive

Understanding the role of speech therapy is crucial, especially when it comes to children with APD. Early intervention and appropriate speech therapy can make a significant difference in their lives. By seeking speech therapy for children with APD, parents and caregivers provide them with the necessary tools to navigate their auditory challenges, enhance their communication skills, and improve their overall quality of life. Speech therapists play a vital role in tailoring individualised therapy plans, identifying specific needs, and collaborating with other professionals to ensure comprehensive care. Investing in speech therapy for children with APD opens doors to a world of improved communication and a brighter future. To learn more about APD and speech therapy, please contact Olive Tree Development Center today.