An auditory processing disorder (APD) is a breakdown in the brain’s ability to use auditory information to hear and understand speech, even though no measurable hearing loss exists. APD is a neurological defect that makes it difficult to process verbal instructions, learning and communication function, and even filter out background noise.
As a firm practicing speech-language pathology, we work with audiologists to assess deficit areas and provide intervention. This includes using formal and informal tools to examine:
- phonemic awareness
- linguistic and executive functions
- auditory memory
- word discrimination
- auditory comprehension
Intervention and management also require a multidisciplinary approach where we work with audiologists, parents, teachers, psychologists and physicians. Our collaborative efforts target phonologic awareness training, environmental modification to improve access to speech and compensatory strategies to make better use of auditory information.
