Central Auditory Processing Disorder
CAPD “disorders are problems with one or more aspects of the central nervous system’s processing of auditory information coming from our auditory nerves into something useful. The analysis and interpretation of information from our ears, or ‘what we do with what the ear hears.” It is not a disease entity, but rather a group of problems that can occur singly or in combination.
(Page 178-179 of Kids in the Syndrome Mix)
Relevant Symptoms:
- Not able to block out meaningless/excess background noise, may appear to the observer to be easily distractible and/or inattentive.
- Fear of loud noises. Sensitivity to sound.
- Experiences excessive auditory fatigue - frequently requires ‘quiet’ downtime/breaks.
- (One of the characteristics of CAPD is described as, or compared to, being at a very loud crowded party.)
- Days fatiguing - many times comes home exhausted.
- Difficulty following a series of spoken and/or long directions. Multi-step directions given orally need to be given one direction at a time.
- Unusually forgetful of information previously memorized, or of household or school routines and responsibilities, despite frequent reminders.
- Issues regarding short term memory. Forgets what is said within a few minutes.
- Impaired ability to attend to, discriminate, remember, recognize, or comprehend auditory information. Exhibits poor listening skills.
- Have trouble paying attention to and remembering information presented orally, and may cope better with visually acquired information.
- Needs more time to process information.
“Under such circumstances, the repetition of information stops the processing process and often adds and emotional overlay. Students are often quick to pick up impatience or irritation.”
- Slow responses to questions.
- Slower Pace for everything (Another characteristic of having CAPD is that the world moves faster than the individual with CAPD does. They absolutely march to their own beat.)
- Have difficulty with reading, comprehension, spelling, and vocabulary. (Reads very slow.)
- Difficulty recalling names, dates, times, numbers, words, and so on.
- Academic difficulties
- Better performance in small groups.
- Disorganization/messiness.
- Self-esteem issues.
- Says ‘Huh?” and “What?” repeatedly.
- Daydreams.
“Comparison to or competition with others is never productive... competition with one self is motivating.” (Not: “You are the last one... everyone else did XYZ, not you...” Do not use shame based tactics. Rather, “Are you doing better than you did before?”)
“CAPD often presents a confusing and inconsistent profile.”
“Test results confuse teachers, and they often mistakenly assume
the child is simply not trying hard enough.”
Also emphasized, is that it is important to “blame the disorder, not the child.”
The goal is to manage negative symptoms... build on what is right. Strengths must be developed and focused on, rather than focusing on weaknesses... which can and will prove daunting.
“Too often, teachers, parents, and the student notice the weaker areas and ignore or minimize the stronger areas.These strengths can become the foundations upon which an intervention program is planned. The student who believe he or she has tools to work with is often motivated to improve outcomes. This student becomes vested in the process. Psychological/academic burnout is far too common in students with auditory processing disorder. They have already given up. This unfortunate outcome may be the result of inadequate or delayed identification/assessment, poor program planning, or ineffective communication within the intervention team, among other reasons.”
(Page 240-241 of Intro to APD)
When a child hears an adult comment in disapproval,
not only is judgment being modeled, but so is intolerance.
Different is just different.
Judgement shouldn’t have a role.
Be mindful of comments and tones.
*****
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. I'm just offering information collected from our journey ~ what worked for us. Every individual should do their own research. There is nothing set in stone regarding what meets a 'need' - every individual is unique. Please use this for information only. Double check and adjust for your own uniqueness.
I have listed resources below, though I did not keep track of every detail and exact location. I apologize, but at the time the focus was on our dire situation. This information page came about after receiving several inquiries regarding CAPD...well past the personal 'research' phase. What I remember, or did keep track of, I have disclosed, giving credit where credit is due. Should I have crossed any copyright lines, please contact me and I will gladly, and immediately, correct.
*****
Resource List
1035 Park Blvd. - Suite 2B
Massapequa, NY 11762
516-799-8599
www.thebrainlabs.com
Website Links
AIT Institute - Auditory Integration Training
Awesome website! LOADED with information!
CAPDUS - Auditory Processing Disorder - Awareness & Advocacy in the U.S.A.
Another GREAT website!
KEY Hearing - The Key to Better Hearing
Yet another website LOADED with pertinent information..
Must Read Articles
by Maxine L. Young, M.S., CCC-A/SLP, FAAA
References
An Introduction to Auditory Processing Disorders in Children,
Edited by Teralandur K. Parthasarathy
Kids in the Syndrome Mix of ADHD, LD, Aspergers’s, Tourette’s, and More!
by Martin L. Kutscher, MD (Chapter 13)
The Misunderstood Child,
by Larry B. Silver, ME Clinical professor of psychiatry,
Georgetown University Medical Center
Children with Anxiety,
by Hyne Sandas, MA LP, Christine Siegel, MA LP
and Deborah D. White, Ph.D. LP
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