Christine – Page 3 – Auditory Processing Disorder

Creating the CAPD-Friendly Home

When a child has a disability, the impact on the family can be devastating, but there is perhaps no other place in the world where acceptance is more needed and expected than at home, with family and loved ones.

A child with Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) must feel loved despite of his or her condition. However, members of the family may inadvertently send the message that the child suffering from this condition is a burden, unloved and unappreciated. Coping with and compensating for APD can be exhausting and parents, most especially may find themselves having trouble communicating at the end of the day, especially after a hard day at work as they can be petulant. But are there ways to create a more harmonious home for a child with central auditory processing disorder, or sensory processing disorder, or learning difficulties in general?

A child with central auditory processing disorder needs to feel loved and accepted in spite of his or her disorder. In order to do this, members of the family should always remember the following:

1. Blame the disorder, not the child. Don’t make things worse by faulting the child because it’s not his or her fault but the disorder itself.

2. For a child with CAPD, acknowledging good listening behaviors are important. Family members, out of frustration sometimes bring up past miscommunication incidents and failures. Talking about letdowns can only make children suffering from this condition feel unloved, and worst, a failure.

3. Remember that the disorder does not define a person or a child so separate them from the disorder. It should be apparent that having an aversion to CAPD is different from disliking the person or the child with the disorder.

4. It’s important to always evaluate problem situations. Assessing the circumstances and talking about them provides family members an opportunity to understand each other better.

5. The majority of children with central auditory processing disorder will perform better when in a structured situation like that of a school. Comparing the listening environments should be avoided as you can’t expect them to have the same type of focused effort at home.

Creating and managing a CAPD-Friendly Home is not easy, but with the help of the entire family, it can be done. The effective strategies done in school may also be adapted at home.

With central auditory processing disorder, the ultimate goal of home management is to facilitate communication as smooth as possible whilst maintaining the warm, friendly, accepting atmosphere of safety and family.

Auditory Processing Disorder – Playing Team Sports With APD

Often, as a coach, you’ll encounter situations where you issue instructions to your team members but one or two members of your team fail to act. In such scenarios, you must be keen to distinguish between ignorance and an underlying disorder.

As a coach/teacher, you must get deep into the problem and be able to figure it out. Such knowledge will assist you to understand your team better, specifically the few young members who’ve problems listening or following directions.

First off, let’s see what Auditory processing disorder exactly is.

Auditory processing disorder

It’s a neurological dysfunction which affects how somebody processes auditory input. It may not necessarily be the inability to hear sounds but rather a slow sound input processing or difficulty differentiating between sounds either in background or foreground.

A glitch between the brain and ear could lead to the difficulty in making sense or understanding what the affected persons hear.

Several strategies can be implemented to deal with the condition. Here’s a look at some of them.

Bringing teammates together

It’s vital that a coach provides a positive first experience for the team members. Young people will always engage in a sport in order to have fun, socialize and stay fit. However, those with exceptionalities tend to be extra sensitive during the first contact.

Therefore, instructors should discreetly observe how peers relate with the affected students and then quickly address any issues involving bullying or exclusion.

Making it clear to the teammates the relevance of sharing as an effective tactic while at the same time highlighting the strengths of the affected player will motivate them and increase total interactions.

Visual Aid

In most cases, an athlete with APD will emerge as an excellent visual learner in what they are doing. Coaches should engage the affected persons by showing hand signals, pointing in a specific direction or just tugging on the person’s jersey.

This will not only call attention to the affected teammate, but also make the rest of the team quite more resilient soon as they face noisy environments.

As a perfect supplement to talking, non-verbal communication will assist the young players to enjoy and play the game better.

Knowing your team

Soon as a coach begins to work on an athlete with disorders such as APD, it’s important that they know the player and develop a profile of them based on their needs and strengths. Doing this early is an effective way to be familiar with their needs and what they aim to achieve in the sport.

Developing an inclusive environment

Functional exclusion normally happens when an athlete is part of a team but doesn’t receive the same treatment and opportunity his/her peers receive.

Instructors should thus train the affected student in an inclusive environment. Successful coaches have often recorded excellent results with affected athletes when they provide an inclusive environment with differentiated instructions.

Clear and concise instructions

A.P.D affected athletes tend to have challenges focusing their listening abilities for an extended time to hear a long or ambiguous instruction.

Coaches should thus provide detailed and clear feedback and instruction during the game, time-outs, training in order for them to understand better. However, one should be careful that the talk/conversation won’t call attention to the affected persons.

Other tactics that have proved effective and could as well be used by the instructors include:
• Offering non-judgemental feedback
• Fostering anticipation and awareness
• Loading drills purposefully

Conclusion

Successful integration of all the aforementioned tactics will assist the APD athletes to build confidence, get rid of stigma, work together and inspire future participation the sport.

Coaches should, therefore, expand their skill and knowledge and learn all the listed strategies so that they can become more confident and successful in their effort to assist APD athletes.

12 Children’s Charities in Australia

The Smith Family

https://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/

This children’s charity foundation focuses on supporting disadvantaged Australian children in an effort to provide long-term positive benefits for the children, their family and potentially generations to come. They are able to make this a possibility with their learning support and mentoring programs which help children who are in need fit in at school, keep up with their peers, and build aspirations for a better future for themselves. One can donate by cash or in kind by giving toys or books.

Villa Maria

https://www.villamaria.com.au/

Villa Maria is a not-for-profit, values-based organization providing quality services and life enhancing opportunities for older people and children with a disability. For children, they have specialist education and therapy services which provides a range of educational, therapeutic and community services. Children who have medical, physical, social or learning needs benefit greatly from such program. Villa Maria encourages others to get involve not only through donation but also with community work by applying as one of their volunteers or perhaps becoming one of their corporate partners.

Camp Quality

https://www.campquality.org.au/

Camp Quality focuses on attending to the needs of children who are living with cancer. The extra burden which these kids carry is not something to be taken lightly and Camp Quality aims to help children at home, at hospitals and even at schools. Their programs include Financial Support for bereaved families in extreme financial difficulty, Child Life Therapy which teaches coping strategies to children in hospital to help them deal with their illness inside and outside of hospital and a whole lot more.

Marist Youth Care

http://www.maristyc.com.au/

Marist Youth Care focuses on helping young people who are homeless, or who are at risk of homelessness or are living away from their families. In addition, they are also focused on addressing the issues faced by young people by helping them develop skills for independent living in the future. This is can be seen with the programs and services that they provide to children which includes education services, employment & training, out of home care as well as specialist homelessness services.

Australian Childhood Foundation

http://www.childhood.org.au/

The Australian Childhood Foundation tends to the needs of children who have suffered abuse, neglect and family violence. This includes both physical as well as emotional abuse which can greatly change a child’s viewpoint in life. They have programs such as trauma recovery to help cope with their childhood. They also work in a range of different ways to prevent child abuse and ensure the protection of all children by raising the much needed awareness which in turn benefits the children.

Tweddle

http://www.tweddle.org.au/

Tweddle revolves around child and family health service by providing assistance to families during pregnancy and with children up to school age that are facing multiple challenges and are in urgent need of therapeutic support. Such issues and challenges for both the parents and their child include infant development or disability, postnatal depression and perinatal mental health issues, family violence and isolation. Donations and fundraising campaigns have always played an important role in helping Tweddle secure additional funds for programs and resources and they encourage others to help them with their cause.

Variety

http://www.variety.org.au/

Variety-the Children’s Charity is a national not-for-profit organization committed to empowering Australian children who are sick, disadvantaged or who have special needs. Variety is able to help children with three core programs namely: future kids, freedom kids and caring for kids. The future kids program gives children the opportunity to enhance their learning through the provision of technology, musical and sporting equipment, therapy and scholarships. The freedom program aims to assist with mobility and communication. Caring for kids program supports children’s health services providing medical equipment to individuals, hospitals and organizations.

Association for Children with a Disability

http://www.acdnsw.org.au/

ACD NSW provides information and support to families of children or young adults with any type of disability across NSW in an effort to raise awareness of the issue facing parents, carers and families of children with disability and advocate for improved services. They are quite active as they provide information seminars on issues ranging from advocacy and supported accommodation to establishing trusts and will writing. Furthermore, they work with other groups, service providers, the government and other decision-makers on issues affecting families.

Australian Children’s Music Foundation

http://acmf.com.au/

The Australian Children’s Music Foundation aims to change young lives through music. For that matter, they strive to inspire creativity and imagination by providing weekly music education and instruments to more than 3900 disadvantaged Australian children and youth at risk. Music has a significant impact on a child’s mental health and development and this is where ACMF focuses upon through music therapy and other related programs. The ACMF provides free instruments to disadvantaged children and youth across Australia which is gathered through donations.

Act for Kids

http://www.actforkids.com.au/

Act for Kids is an Australian charity working tirelessly to prevent and treat child abuse and neglect. They strive to help kids to overcome their experiences through long-term intensive therapy, and provide support for families at risk. This is made possible through their treatment and prevention programs which include the SAFEKIDS program that provides safe houses and family support for kids who can’t live safely at home while authorities investigate child protection concerns while also supporting parents to address the issues impacting their children’s safety and wellbeing, and gradually reintroducing their kids back into community.

The Alannah and Madeline Foundation

http://www.amf.org.au/

The Alannah and Madeline Foundation is a national charity protecting children from violence and its devastating impact. Aside from caring for children who have experienced or witnessed serious violence, they also run programs that prevent violence and advocate for children’s safety and wellbeing. Bullying is a common issue to children and the this foundation provides the necessary help with their Bullying Advice Centre which is shared not only for kids but also to their parents as well as to schools.

Ardoch Youth Foundation

https://www.ardoch.asn.au/

The Ardoch Youth Foundation is a charity providing education support for children and young people experiencing disadvantage. They have been providing support to children and young people in disadvantaged communities for over 25 years in an effort to address barriers to education, develop the basic foundations of learning and broaden horizons for children and young people. Their programs include learning essentials, learning buddies, broadening horizons and early years education. One can help them in a variety of ways which include volunteering, workplace giving, corporate partnerships etc.

Auditory Processing Disorder in Rural Communities

Auditory processing disorder or Central auditory processing disorder affect approximately 2 to 3 percent of school aged children. Children with APD have normal hearing but they have difficulty processing the information. The part of the brain that translates the sound does not function property. Children often do not recognize the difference between sounds in words even when they are spoken loud and clear. Kids with APD have hearing difficulty especially in a noisy environment. APD can cause problems with behavior, mood and learning and often associated with attention deficit disorder, autism and dyslexia.

Symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder in children include:
• Difficulty hearing in the presence of background noise
• Often asked words to be repeated
• Often says “what?” or “huh”
• Speech or language delay from younger age
• Difficulty following or remembering multi-step instructions
• Reversals in letter of words like “d” for “b” and “t” for “p”
• Difficulty pronouncing words
• Gets easily distracted
• Often mishear similar sounding words
• Difficulty in spelling
• Difficulty in reading aloud
• Speaks in monotone

Early detection and management of APD is important to alleviate the disabling and handicapping consequences of the disorder. A team of professionals are needed to diagnose auditory processing disorder in children. The multi-disciplinary team includes an audiologist, a speech language pathologist, a psychologist and teachers.
The audiologist will perform the actual testing for APD. He will test the child’s ability to hear sounds under different conditions. This will help discover the areas where the child is having problems. The psychologist will administer and interpret the child’s cognitive and educational capacity. The speech-language pathologist can identify the areas of auditory abilities. Parents and teachers will help identify the child’s medical history, learning behaviours, listening behaviours and social skills.
A complete APD diagnosis may not always be possible especially in rural communities where resources are not always available. Some parents and children with APD travel up to 600kms to seek audiological treatment. Specialty services of hearing health specialist have an insufficient numbers to meet the demand in rural communities. As in the case with doctors, speech pathologist, audiologists and otolaryngologists their number decreases with the remoteness.
Access to medical intervention for children with APD in rural areas needs to be improved.

Managing children with auditory processing disorder in the rural communities is not easy, but the government is trying to alleviate the situation. The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine Telehealth provides contact details for doctors, ear, nose and throat specialist, speech pathologist and other hearing health services in the rural and remote areas. Telehealth program like VidKids provides services to children in the rural areas. It offers alternative face-to-face visits to hearing health professionals via telephone or the internet. It utilizes video conferencing to provide therapy, diagnostic services, counseling, technological assistance, education and support to children living in rural areas.

Medical intervention may not be easily accessible in the rural communities, so parents in the rural areas should beware of preprinted auditory processing disorder information suggestions. Not all suggestions are appropriate for your child. Some recommendation for one type of APD could be detrimental or useless for the other. Only an audiologist will help identify the specific type of auditory processing disorder in children. Seek direct intervention or therapy from professional speech-language pathologist to improve your child’s auditory processing abilities.

Auditory Processing Disorder in Kenya & Africa

Auditory Processing Disorder in Kenya/Africa

Auditory processing disorder (APD) – also known as the central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) – is a hearing complication, which normally affects school-aged children such that they cannot process sounds they hear in the same way as normal kids of their age do. It manifests itself in three ways namely: sound discrimination, language processing and auditory memory complications.

In the first instance, the affected child cannot pronounce words clearly using its specific sounds. Auditory memory complications interfere with the kid’s ability to memorise facts and numbers especially if the former case involves complex verbal instructions. Language processing presents the toughest challenge to children with APD because they cannot understand the questions asked of them as well as socialise with their friends.

APD in Kenya

Awareness levels about APD as well as other learning disabilities have increased among health professionals as well as the public in developed countries. Sadly, the same cannot be said of the developing countries – especially Africa and more specifically, Kenya – where there has been limited research on learning disabilities, including APD. In Kenya, most of the research has focused on reading difficulties experienced by school-going children without being cognisant of the fact that learning disabilities is a complex area.

A study by Grace Kwamboka in 2004 perhaps underlines the extent of learning disabilities – including CAPD – in Kenya. The research, conducted in Starehe division of the defunct Nairobi Province, identifies auditory processing disorder as one of the main learning disabilities facing children in various schools in the area including; Pumwani, Parklands, St. Bridgits, Catholic Parochial as well as River Bank primary schools. Interviews with teachers and headteachers in these schools revealed problems, such as, slow acquisition of skills required for children of their age, memory retention problems and difficulty in arithmetic calculation – symptoms which are all reflective of APD.

Treatment of APD

The good news is that children with APD can undergo treatment to enable them lead normal and fulfilling lives. Adoptive Families, an online forum for parents interested in adoption, advises that this can be achieved in the classroom or home setting. This includes speaking slowly and clearly to the affected kid to help him understand what is being said. At school, acoustics in the classroom can be improved for their benefit by closing a window or addition of a rug to drown out background sounds that may distract the kid’s focus on what the teacher is saying.

Professional means of treating APD are also available including the use of sequencing routines to help the child improve his listening skills by repeating a series of directions and numbers. A professional will also help the affected kid differentiate sounds even in environments with loud background noise.

Parenting Tips for a Child with Central Auditory Processing Disorder

Central auditory processing disorder can be a huge struggle for kids especially during their growth and development. The reason behind is this that it affects the way the brain processes auditory information. Hearing is one of the main concerns for parents as well as with their child as it can be quite hard to effectively convey your message to them in an effective manner. It is important for parents to quickly assess if they child is showing early signs and symptoms of central auditory processing disorder. This is to ensure the right amount of treatment and care is given to their child.

CAPD affects 5% of school-aged children making it quite a one of a kind and it can be quite hard for parents to find the necessary treatment and care. Providing them with right background and setting is also important to ensure their learning is not hindered. Fortunately, you can find several topics revolving around central auditory processing disorder over the internet as well as individuals who share the same sentiments and cause over this problem. Listed below are some parenting tips for a child with central auditory processing disorder to give you a firm overview on how to handle this condition.

1. Use simple sentences emphasizing key words.

As mentioned earlier, CAPD affects one’s auditory information. It is important for parents to use simple sentences to avoid confusing to your child. Emphasizing key words is also ideal as this is what they will oftentimes remember instead of the whole conversation.

2. Slow your speech and, where appropriate, increase the volume slightly.

It is important for parents to be considerate when talking to a child that is affected by CAPD. If you are a fast talker, slowing your speech is important to help your child catch up. Increasing the volume slightly without the need to shout is also advised.

3. Only give him one or two directions at a time and where feasible ask him to repeat them back to you.

Again, since the CAPD, affects the way the brain processes auditory information, giving your child a lot of instructions may often end up to confusion. Give him one or two directions or an alternative method is to make use of a pen and paper and write these up for them to bring.

4. Where possible reduce the background noise – using sound-absorbent partitions, felt on chair feet etc.

Children with CAPD are quite sensitive to background noises adding an extra burden on receiving auditory information.

5. Provide him with a quiet place in which he can do homework.

As mentioned above, a quiet and calm environment is greatly appreciated as it helps promote learning.

6. Encourage good eating and sleeping habits.

Good eating and sleeping habits reduces the occurrence and development of stress as well as helps kids feel relaxed

These are a few of the many parenting tips for a child with central auditory processing disorder and you can definitely look up additional information over the internet today.

Auditory Processing Disorder Specialists around the World

The Nuffield Hearing and Speech Centre

https://www.uclh.nhs.uk/OurServices/ServiceA-Z/ENTS/NUFF/Pages/Home.aspx

The Nuffield Hearing and Speech Centre are able to assess, diagnose and manage disorders of speech, hearing and balance in all children including those with complex and special needs.

Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children

http://www.gosh.nhs.uk/

One of the world’s leading children’s hospitals, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children is a suitable place to seek ADP treatment.

Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

http://www.chw.org/

This hospital has a considerable number of branches which gives their patients the convenience to find a nearest hospital with them. This along with a variety of doctors and specialists makes it a great place to visit. Listed below are a few of their branches along with their noteworthy specialist.

Forest View Pediatrics

4855 S Moorland Rd,

Ste 150 New Berlin, WI 53151

A mother of three children, Kristen Adamo has been under the supervision and care of Forest View Pediatrics since 2004 providing primary care to children as they work hand in hand together in treating their condition.

Downtown Health Center

1020 N 12th St Milwaukee

WI 53233

Liza Zetley enjoys working with children while at the same time, is able to advocate to their health needs and addresses in a timely manner.

Floating Hospital for Children

https://www.floatinghospital.org/

You will not find any shortage of staff and doctors who specialize in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology at the Floating Hospital for Children.

Central Manchester University Hospitals

http://www.cmft.nhs.uk/childrens-hospitals

Find a wide range of services for patients found in one of the largest and busiest Trusts in the country.

Cincinnati Children’s

http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/p/auditory-processing/

A huge number of healthcare professionals as well as researchers working their best in providing the most appropriate treatment for APD await clients on their visit.

UCLA Health

https://www.uclahealth.org

UCLA Health has a dedicated center which focuses upon a child’s needs. This allows children to have their own dedicated method of treatment which can be found below.

Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA

757 Westwood Plaza

Los Angeles, CA 90095

Basic child care services can be found at their establishment and both parents and their child can benefit greatly from the services that they provide.

Mattel Children’s UCLA Pediatric Specialists

1131 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 202 (12th Street & Wilshire)

Santa Monica, CA 90403

A vast and expansive field of childcare is available on a regular basis with Mattel Children’s UCLA Pediatric Specialists. Pantea Sharifi-Hannauer, MD is a Pediatric Neurology which specializes in Autism & Epilepsy.

Department of Speech and Hearing Science (Ohio State University)

https://sphs.osu.edu/clinic

This clinic specializes in Speech, Language and Hearing which is essential for communication.

American Academy of Audiology

Home

Get the latest updates and news revolving around the field of Audiology while at the same time be able to find an audiologist near you at American Academy of Audiology.

Learning Rx

Corp – Corporate Home page

Learning Rx allows children with APD and other related issues and concerns to be able to live normally while helping them find their potential.

Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Empowering Students to Pursue Possibilities

Learning is an important process to every child including those who are suffering from APD. It is good to hear that Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired is able to help provide them with their needs.

Women’s and Children’s Health Network

http://www.cyh.com/SubDefault.aspx?p=98

Their establishment provides free hearing assessment service across South Australia for children 0-18 years old which is great for APD.

Foundations Development House

Home

Speech and language classes are provided as an extra support services for special needs children in a form of Language Acquisition Enrichment Preschool (LEAP). Find them here.

Ace Clinics

Home

Advanced Cognitive Enhancement (ACE) clinic specializes in treating children and adults suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and learning disabilities.

East Tennessee State University Audiology Clinic

http://www.etsu.edu/crhs/aslp/audiology/default.aspx

Audiology testing are provided on a day-to-day basis to their patients at their clinics for complete hearing evaluation.

UK HealthCare

http://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/ENT/apd/

UK HealthCare is able to shed some light with the issues revolving around APD as they work with their patients in find the best possible cure.

Sound Skills

Home Page

Effectively diagnose APD with a variety of tests available at Sound Skills along with their training and therapy sessions which is available on a regular basis.

Mainland Hearing

http://www.mainlandhearing.com/apd/

Make use of free hearing test provided by Mainland Hearing which is available over their website today.

Auditory Processing Disorder in the Philippines

Auditory processing disorder is a condition that many young individuals continue to suffer. When one has this condition, there is usually a malfunction in the central nervous system, particularly in the use of auditory information. The condition affects so many people across the globe. In fact, there are also quite a number of cases in the Philippines. While the condition may not be as serious when compared to other diseases, it could naturally lead to certain disabilities. It is for this reason why treatment should also be performed. Fortunately, the methods of treatment have become safer and non-invasive. It could also be found in the Philippines.

For parents who may have the suspicion that their children have auditory processing disorder, it may be necessary to learn about the signs or symptoms. Among these is the tendency to speak louder than what is necessary. Aside from this, a child may be unable to differentiate sounds, especially if these are nearly similar. Of course, the child may also show signs of incapability to comprehend verbal instructions. In general, the child has a poor comprehension on anything that is communicated on an oral manner. Apparently, if no treatment procedure is introduced, he or she would find it hard to communicate with others.

Due to the fact that auditory processing disorder cases in the Philippines do exist, there have been a number of facilities established to facilitate the treatment of those who are affected by it. Of course, it is not just the facilities that matter but also the kind of treatment procedure involved. There is no doubt that among the most effective of the treatment procedures is the Tomatis method. It is through this method that any child with auditory processing disorder would experience an improvement in the shortest time. What makes it even better is that the method is considered to be very safe.

Auditory processing disorder treated through the Tomatis method is non-invasive. This means that the child would not need to go through any surgery. Aside from this, the method also does not require the use of drugs. These characteristics definitely make the Tomatis method the favored option of parents for solving auditory processing disorder. It is basically a learning process, which means that the child would simply be taught how to respond to situations despite his or her condition. As a result, the habit of adapting and responding to given situations are developed.

Aside from the learning part, the Tomatis method may also use electronic devices for the same purpose of treatment. An electronic ear may be involved but the essential part is that this should only aid the child in the learning process. The Tomatis method is not a new solution. In fact, it has been practiced in many countries all over the world. Since it was introduced in the Philippines, a lot of young individuals have also benefitted by it. For those in the Philippines who are suffering from auditory processing disorder, the treatment is no longer beyond reach.

APD CAPD Parents & Experts Connect Via Social Media

The auditory processing disorder (APD) which is also known as central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) is a condition where people can hear sound though how the brain translates those sound is disrupted which result to an unclear message. In contrast to people with hearing impairment, people with CAPD have normal hearing but they have a hard time processing the information they hear in the same way as others because their ears and brain don’t fully coordinate. This is the reason why it is called a processing disorder. This develops at a very early age as CAPD affects about 5% of school-aged children and should not be taken for granted.

There are several signs and symptoms with regards to APD which include of course, difficulty in hearing, poor auditory memory, speech delay from a young age, difficulty in following instructions or directions, exhibiting attention issues and more can be found by seeking a professional’s aid upon showing these early signs and symptoms regarding APD. The causes of CAPD are unknown which makes it harder to keep track off. This is the reason why parents need to be vigilant and attentive as this may develop during their child’s growth.

Although not a sure-fire approach to treating children with APD, parents are given several strategies to overcome such struggle. Providing a peaceful, organized environment and lifestyle proved to be very helpful during their growth. Building their self-esteem is also rather advantageous as they have no clear understanding of CAPD. Central Auditory Processing Disorder Treatment exists and this should also be taken into consideration along with Auditory Integration Listening Programs which is available for today.

A lot of individuals share the same sentiments and feeling with regards to ADP and CAPD. It can be heartbreaking learning that your child is suffering from this type of processing disorder. With that said, it is good to hear that people were able to express their concerns and feedbacks over the internet and the online community has been very helpful in giving further insights and understanding about auditory processing disorder. Social media websites is able to easily share vital information and spread it around the community in a short amount of time. This allows for a healthy conversation and discussions about CAPD.

Back then people would require forming an active group and meet physically to share their experience with regards to a particular issue or concern. However today, the process is made much easier as you can engage and ask personal questions to the professionals through the use of several social media websites. Twitter has been very helpful in providing the necessary information with regards to CAPD and doctors, institutions and even parents are able to express freely their opinions and ask feedback from others in return.

Claire Felices social media manager of social media agency Atomic Digital shows how parents can best use social media to connect with not just other parents, but experts in that field. Here is a list of doctors and professionals as well as regular individuals who share their thoughts about APD:

The Sensory Spectrum

@SensorySpec

https://twitter.com/SensorySpec

This page links to the newest research, news, tips and activities for kids with Autism Aspergers and Sensory Processing Disorder which are updated on a regular basis.

Francoise Nicoloff

https://www.facebook.com/TomatisAustralia

Director of the Tomatis Method in Australia & psychologist for over 30 years – Sydney, treating auditory processing, ADHD, speech delay, autism, depression. She shares news, pictures and videos about auditory processing disorder.

Vicki Kirwin

@KidsAudiologist

Tweets by KidsAudiologist

Paediatric audiologist & advisor @NDCS_UK. News on childhood deafness & children’s audiology are shared and can be found at her twitter page.

NLASLPA

@nlaslpa

https://twitter.com/nlaslpa

Represents over 100 Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and Audiologists (AUDs) in Newfoundland and Labrador, NLASLPA is a not-for-profit association that post news and informative pictures with regards to CAPD.

Tammy Pluck

@SunnyCMIB

https://twitter.com/SunnyCMIB

A mother of two children, you can find post about fitness and health along with taking care of children.

Able Families

@AbleFamilies

https://twitter.com/AbleFamilies

A social networking, advice & support as well as a resource & information page for South African families challenged by disability.

NY Gifted Education

@NYGiftedEd

https://twitter.com/NYGiftedEd

This page revolves around actively exploring all the school and enrichment options available for gifted children in NYC which includes finding a suitable institution with children who have ADP.

The Kildonan School

@KildonanSchool

https://twitter.com/KildonanSchool

Another educational institution which is one of NY’s premier independent schools for students with dyslexia which is oftentimes associated to auditory processing disorder.

KidsHealth

@KidsHealth

https://twitter.com/KidsHealth

The world’s #1 most-visited website devoted to children’s health, Kids Health is written for parents, educators, kids, and teens with an active and growing number of followers.

Brain Balance SF

@BrainBalanceSF

https://twitter.com/BrainBalanceSF

This page represents an after school learning centers that help children with learning & behavioral disorders such as ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism, & other Learning Disabilities.

Indeed social media has been a very effective and powerful tool in sharing vital information to the online community. Rare and uncommon diseases and disorders aren’t usually given its clear overview and background information unless you manually look for it. This can take one a fair amount of time in order to complete. It is good to hear that ADP and CAPD have received its fair share of the spotlight with the help of social media today. This helps remove the social stigma behind ADP and CAPD as well as other related disorders as a huge number of people are given a clearer understanding in an effort to answer the general issues and concerns revolving around them. Reach out to several social media network and find the much needed help over the internet.

Technologies that can Help Children with CAPD

Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), also known as Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is a complex hearing problem affecting about 5% of school-aged children. Children have normal ability to hear sounds, but have difficulty understanding what the sounds mean. Children can’t process the information they hear in the same way as others because their ears and brain don’t fully coordinate. If CAPD is not identified and managed early most of these kids will have speech and language delays and academic problems.

Central Auditory Processing Disorder treatment should be individualized; there is no cure-all method of treating CAPD. But several technologies are available to help children with CAPD. It is best to get specific recommendation first from an audiologist before trying it at home. These technologies are designed to help children become better listeners and readers, learn faster, improve memory and become better thinkers.

Technologies that can Help Children with CAPD:
– Assistive Listening Device (ALD) is any device or product, including hearing aids, which improves or “assists” hearing. It is typically used for specific listening environments like theaters, at church, in conference rooms during meetings, in schools or with televisions and radios.

– Specialist assistive technology – personal frequency modulation listening devices allows wearer to hear one voice via microphone directly into their ear through a FM receiver. This is sometimes called remote microphone.

– Possible Extrinsic AT Software are voice output, web browser, and text editor programs intended to help individuals with learning disabilities to read, write, study, and comprehend text more effectively.

– Personal Listening Systems (Auditory Trainers) usually consist of Frequency Modulated Systems have the ability to increase the volume of a particular sound source and deliver it directly to an individual without increasing the amount of background noise.

– Digital Voice Recorder can be used for recording class lessons and verbal instructions. It is less expensive compared to software and other devices.

– Direct Audio Input is an Assistive Listening Device that is compatible with a hearing aid. An induction loop is usually worn around the neck that allows for hook-up to a TV, radio/stereo, microphone, CD player, FM system or other assistive device.

– Activity Table designed for younger children. It is good for auditory stimulation combined with visual cues treating auditory limitation by using its functional visual capabilities.

– Electromagnetic Induction Loop is used for amplification it is a special cable typically wired around public places. These cables emit electromagnetic signal to the person’s ear either by wearing headphones or hearing aid.

– FastForWord is a computer based program with games that teaches processing of speech sounds and works on short term auditory memory and auditory sequencing.

– TV Listening Systems one popular version of this type of ALD is called TV Ears. It is designed to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the television (or radio/stereo) over other environmental or background noise.

– SAMONAS Sound Therapy and The Listening Program (TLP) – specially produced music that is available on CDs effective tool in stimulating the brain’s processing regions and engineered to have a calming effect on the body.

– Telephone Assistive Devices phones that have specially-designed receiver that amplifies sound. It has a built-in telecoil and picks up the telephone signal without causing feedback (whistling) or interference from background noise.

– Infrared Systems uses light waves instead of radio waves. The receiver usually a headset turns the signal into sound. Infrared Systems are commonly used in personal listening devices, and can also be used in large areas such as meeting halls, theatres and churches.

Hearing technology holds great promise for helping children with CAPD. It is not an over-the-counter commodity; avoid internet and mail-order purchase. The government requires that children be seen by an Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) physician for medical clearance, then by an audiologist, not just a hearing technology dealer. Consult a physician then an experienced audiologist before making a purchase.