APD (Auditory Processing Disorder)
Before you read the webpage please read the following notes:
NOTE 1 – We are giving you an overview of this condition in a question and answer format so you have some information for when you talk to a health professional. We have not discussed how to diagnose this condition, the types of treatment available for this condition and how you as the parent can help your child. We will leave that for a professional to discuss with you when a healthcare plan or special educational needs plan is being written for your child once they have been diagnosed.
NOTE 2 – Children can suffer from more than one condition at any one time. This is known as comorbid
NOTE 3 – The exact cause of many of the conditions we have written about is unknown. Research is continuing. There can often be a genetic component which when inherited can make an individual prone to the condition. There are also other factors which can play a part in the development of the condition and can trigger it. We have detailed these factors in each write up.
NOTE 4 – Education for children with special education needs and disabilities is written elsewhere on this website. Please click the link below to access it.
WHAT IS AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDER (APD)?
APD is when an individual has problems with comprehending sounds and spoken words. The brain finds it difficult to interpret and recognise different sounds and speech. It can also find it difficult to distinguish between sounds. This is often reflected in their speech. An early diagnosis is very important.
Children with APD are regarded as children with special educational needs.
LINK TO NHS WEBSITE FOR AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDER (APD)
LINK TO GOSH NHS WEBSITE FOR AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDER
Another name for this disorder is central auditory processing disorder (CAPD)
WHAT SYMPTOMS DOES A CHILD WITH APD DISPLAY?
Some of the symptoms a child with APD may show are:
- They cannot understand what is being said
- They have difficulty following verbal instructions.
- They find noisy surroundings overwhelming
- They may find it difficult to read and focus when there is background noise.
- They are slow to pick up reading skills.
- They can confuse similar words.
- They can find it difficult to follow conversations with more than one person at one time.
- They can have problems with people’s accents.
- They cannot discriminate between different sounds.
- They can find it difficult to recall facts and information in a certain order.
ARE CHILDREN WHO HAVE APD BORN WITH IT OR IS IT ACQUIRED?
The exact cause of APD is unknown however, scientists believe there may be a genetic link so it can be an inherited condition.
Premature birth and low birth weight can increase the risk of a child getting APD
Head trauma, ear infections, and lead poisoning can increase the risk of a child getting APD.
WHEN DO MOST CHILDREN FIRST DISPLAY THE SIGNS OF APD?
Children aged between 3 years to 5 years can start to show the first signs of APD.
CAN APD GO AWAY, BE CURED OR PREVENTED?
APD once diagnosed can be managed and controlled with treatment. It cannot be cured. It cannot also be prevented.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF APD?
There are 5 different types of APD. They are:
1. Hypersensitivity APD – A child with this type of APD can have a negative reaction to a sound such as wanting to throw up when someone coughs. Some children are very sensitive to some sounds which can cause them pain.
2. Decoding APD – Children with this type of APD cannot make out what has been said. The brain is unable to convert the sounds to words.
3. Integration APD – A child with this type of APD cannot listen and do other things at the same time such as write or make notes.
4. Prosodic APD – Children with this type of APD have problems with processing tone and change of pitch in a person’s voice. This child’s speech is monotoned.
5. Organisational APD – A child with this type of APD has issues with background noise. They also cannot remember information in a certain order.
WHO DO YOUR CONTACT FOR HELP IF YOU FEEL YOUR CHILD HAS APD?
Contact your GP immediately – Your GP will arrange for your child to be assessed for APD. Your GP will then arrange for your child to have the correct support, medication, therapy and treatment to manage and control the condition. They will also inform you of any lifestyle changes you may need to make and refer you for further help if you need it.
Contact the school SEN department – The SEN department (special educational needs) at school will take your concerns seriously and help you. Please read the next section below.
IS APD CONSIDERED A SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEED (SEN)?
A child suffering from APD can be considered as one with special educational needs (SEN) if the issues the child is suffering from make education and learning much more difficult than other children of the same age.
Talk to the SEN department at your child’s school. There will be a special teacher there called a SENCO (special SEN coordinator) who looks after the welfare of all SEN children at the school and they will be able to advise you further.
WHERE CAN YOU AS A PARENT TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
You can contact NSPCC – If your child has APD you can contact the NSPCC and speak to them about your concerns. If the child is in danger they will call the police.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR NSPCC – CONTACT US
You can contact FAMILY LIVES – Family lives was previously known as parentline. You can speak to them about your concerns that your child has APD.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR FAMILY LIVES – CONTACT US
You can contact SUPPORTLINE – Supportline can provide confidential emotional support over the phone about your concerns if your child has APD. Their helpline number is 01708 765 200. You can also email them.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR SUPPORTLINE – CONTACT US
You can contact your local authority child services – You can call them directly or look on their website to see if there are any local support groups where you can get support.
LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE TO FIND YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITY
You can contact other organisations –
LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE 16 – CONNECT WITH CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS THAT COULD HELP YOU.
WHERE CAN YOUR CHILD TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
Your child can contact CHILDLINE – If your child has APD and they need to talk to someone, they can call childline.