Auditory Processing: Understanding the signs and symptoms
About Auditory Processing Disorder
Auditory Processing Disorder is a difficulty that affects about 3–5% of school-aged children, making it hard for them to know what people are saying. Children with this condition can’t process what they hear in the same way other children do and have a more difficult time registering and remembering what they hear.
There is nothing wrong with their hearing, however there is an interference with the way the brain interprets sound and speech, directly. Therefore, children with Auditory Processing Disorder will often ask people to repeat what they’ve said or may struggle to follow directions as a result.
Auditory Processing Disorder is often misunderstood.
Signs & symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder
Although the signs and symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder vary from child to child, below are the most frequently reported symptoms:
Difficulty understanding speech, especially in the presence of background noise
Difficulty following multi-step directions that are presented verbally, without visual cues
Easily distracted by sounds
Difficulty paying attention and listening
Difficulty remembering what has been said
Difficulty reading, spelling, and/or writing when compared to their peers
Misunderstanding of jokes, idioms, and figurative language
Being fatigued at the end of a school day
How you can help your child
Many children diagnosed with an Auditory Processing Disorder can develop better listening and comprehending skills over time as their auditory system matures.
There’s no known cure for Auditory Processing Disorder, but there are ways and strategies with listening that can assist to improve the development of the auditory pathway over time, especially when started at younger ages.
These can include things like:
Physical changes to your environment that allow for improved listening
Speech Pathology
Equipment that gives clear access to the speaker’s voice
As our Clinical Lead Audiologist at Adelaide Paediatrics, Sharon Price specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of Auditory Processing Disorder and utilises her dual qualifications as an Audiologist and Speech Pathologist to ensure best practice.
Auditory Processing Disorder is diagnosed over two appointments and is presented as ‘listening games’ to ensure your child is comfortable. If your child is diagnosed with Auditory Processing Disorder Sharon will support and guide you to gain optimum outcomes for your child.
If you are concerned that your child may have Auditory Processing Disorder, or would simply like to rule it out, please call our friendly team at Mile End on 7123 6147 and they will be happy to assist you.
Make a booking
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Adelaide Paediatrics Ashford
Suite 15, Level 3 Ashford Specialist Centre
57-59 Anzac Highway
Ashford SA 5035T: 08 7123 6171
F: 08 7123 0821 -
Adelaide Paediatrics Bedford Park
Mark Oliphant Building
8/5 Laffer Drive
Bedford Park
SA 5042T: 08 7123 6149
F: 08 7123 0821 -
Adelaide Paediatrics Elizabeth Vale
32 Oldham Road
Elizabeth Vale
SA 5112T: 08 7123 6148
F: 08 7123 0821 -
Adelaide Paediatrics Kensington Park
360 Magill Road
Kensington Park SA 5068T: 08 7123 6176
F: 08 7123 0821 -
Adelaide Paediatrics Mile End
71 Henley Beach Road
Mile End SA 5031T: 08 7123 6147
F: 08 7123 0821 -
Adelaide Paediatrics Morphett Vale
221-223 Main South Road
Morphett Vale SA 5162T: 08 7123 6163
F: 08 7123 0821 -
Adelaide Paediatrics Mount Barker
2/50 Victoria Road
Mount Barker SA 5251T: 08 7123 6175
F: 08 7123 0821 -
Adelaide Paediatrics North Adelaide
Calvary Hospital
89 Strangways Terrace
North Adelaide SA 5006T: 08 7123 6173
F: 08 8239 9119 -
Adelaide Paediatrics Wayville
The Terraces
4-6 Goodwood Road
Wayville SA 5034T: 08 7123 6177
F: 08 7123 0821