Auditory Processing Difficulties Support for Children and Adults

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is also frequently labeled as Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD). This condition affects listening, comprehension, and communication skills.

Similar to other learning disabilities, this disorder manifests uniquely in each individual. No two cases are identical because no two brains are alike.

Some individuals with this difficulty misinterpret similar words, like "hear" and "fear," while others find it challenging to recall specifics from discussions or lectures. Some individuals may also seem distracted or inattentive.

Auditory Processing Difficulties - Cognitive Functions

Auditory processing difficulties can be broken down into weaknesses in one or more of the
following cognitive functions:

Memory for Information and Instructions
(Retention of information and factual details)

Predicative Speech
(Grasping sequence of language)

Symbol Relations
(Fluid processing and comprehension of language )

Symbolic Thinking
(Attention to the essence of language communication)

Auditory Speech Discrimination
(Hearing the subtle differences in speech sounds)

Auditory Processing Issues Aren't Just a Problem at School

As adults we are required to listen, understand, and communicate effectively in both our personal and professional lives and auditory processing difficulties can add complexity to managing daily interactions.

Hearing without comprehension characterises individuals with auditory processing issues. Inability to process real-time information can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and isolated.

Some Features of Auditory Processing Disorder:

Difficulty understanding speech, especially if there is background noise

Easily distracted by loud or sudden sounds

Difficulty with lectures or other periods of long listening

Difficulty with reading, writing and spelling compared to peers

Delayed or misunderstanding of jokes, idioms or figurative language

Difficulty remembering, or summarising information presented verbally

Trouble following abstract thought or ideas

Problems distinguishing between similar sounds

Discover Your Unique Cognitive Profile

Arrowsmith Cognitive Questionnaire

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Take our 30-minute cognitive profile questionnaire to start the journey into understanding your brain's strengths and weaknesses through a cognitive lens.

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Arrowsmith Cognitive Assessment

The Arrowsmith Cognitive Assessment, administered by an Arrowsmith trained professional, will provide you with an in-depth insight into your unique cognitive profile.

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Auditory Processing Difficulties Don't Need to be for Life

Identifying the reasons for this disorder can be illuminating. Individuals and their families can finally come to understand why certain experiences have been difficult and frustrating.

Addressing an auditory processing disorder is empowering. Individuals report a profound shift in their ability to understand and follow instructions, improvement in their child’s ability to contribute to dinner table conversations, and others can now easily remember details of homework assignments.

At Empowering Lives, we can measure – and strengthen parts of the brain causing auditory processing difficulties based on one’s unique profile and goals. Contact us to understand what’s possible, at any stage in life.

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Interested in Exploring Auditory Processing Difficulties in More Detail?

You can find more information on this topic in Chapter 8, Lost in Translation, of Barbara Arrowsmith-Young’s, The Woman Who Changed Her Brain.

Testimonials

Talking on the phone, busy restaurants, and parties were all terrifying places for me as I was constantly mishearing, misunderstanding, and making mistakes. Life is different now! No more answering questions with questions. Noisy party, loud music?...Bring it on!

Lucas - Arrowsmith Participant

I was diagnosed with a Central Auditory Processing Disorder at the age of 36. Whilst doing Arrowsmith my expressive and receptive skills improved quickly. My reading comprehension improved, as did my ability to use language and remember the order of words in a sentence. Arrowsmith has been the best learning experience of my life!

Kim - Adult Arrowsmith Participant

Since Arrowsmith, I have observed a significant increase in the complexity of my son's speech patterns and expressions. Not only has his vocabulary greatly expanded, but he has learnt to put words together in coherent and surprisingly creative ways to express his thoughts. This has given him the confidence to speak more and debate ideas, which has in turn developed that self belief required to succeed in all aspects of life from social to academic.

Rachel- Arrowsmith Parent

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