3 Signs Your Child May Have An Auditory Processing Disorder
Posted on: 25 September 2015
It's estimated that up to 5% of school-age children suffer from a condition known as Auditory Processing Disorder or APD. This disorder is often mistaken for other behavioural disorders such as Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism because many of the symptoms present similarities in all of these disorders. Here are three signs that your child may be suffering from an Auditory Processing Disorder.
1. Your child is struggling at school
If your child is struggling at school and failing to keep up with their classmates, then APD is a possibility. It doesn't mean that your child isn't intelligent; it just means that APD may be making it impossible for your child to successfully understand what is expected of them and is having difficulty understanding the information that is presented to them.
If your child is falling behind at school, then it's a good idea to have a chat with your child's teacher. They can give you valuable insight into your child's behaviour while at school and what may be causing them to fall behind.
2. Your child becomes distressed in noisy environments
APD isn't a problem with hearing; it's a problem with how your child makes sense of the noises that they're hearing. In noisy environments, the excessive amount of sound can send your child's brain into overdrive trying to process what they're hearing.
If your child becomes fearful, withdrawn, confused, or angry when you're in a noisy environment such as a shopping centre or sporting event, then they may be showing signs of APD. Children with APD may also show over the top reactions to sudden, loud noises such as thunder or a car back-firing.
3. Your child seems unable to follow instructions or keep up with conversations
If you find yourself becoming frequently frustrated by your child's ability to follow instructions, then they may be suffering from APD. While children with APD may appear to be listening, their brains are not able to process the information they are being given in the way that normal children do.
The inability for children with APD to process instructions and follow conversations is especially difficult when they are spoken to in a rapid way or in a busy environment. For example, you may be frustrated that your child doesn't follow instructions during the hectic period when the household is busy getting ready for school and work.
APD can be difficult for children and their parents to deal with. Fortunately, with the right help from medical professionals, there are numerous physical and psychological treatment options available. This will give your child the best chance at a happy and successful schooling career and life journey.
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