Sensory Processing Disorder: What Is It & How Is It Related to APD?

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a complex condition that affects how the brain processes and responds to sensory information from the environment. It is also known as Sensory Integration Dysfunction. Individuals with SPD may have difficulty processing and organising sensory input, which can lead to challenges in daily activities and social interactions.

SPD can impact any of the senses, including touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing. People with SPD may exhibit over-responsiveness or under-responsiveness to sensory stimuli. For example, they may be hypersensitive to certain sounds, textures, or smells, causing them to become overwhelmed or distressed. On the other hand, they may seek out intense sensory experiences to feel regulated and engage in activities such as spinning or jumping.

Within the realm of sensory processing disorders, there is a specific type called Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). APD primarily affects the processing of auditory information, such as speech and other sounds. Individuals with APD may struggle to understand and interpret what they hear, even though their hearing is typically normal. This can result in difficulties with communication, learning, and social interactions.

While SPD and APD are distinct conditions, they often coexist and share common features. Many individuals with SPD also experience APD, and vice versa. Both conditions involve challenges in processing sensory information, although they may manifest in different ways. While SPD encompasses difficulties across various senses, APD specifically focuses on auditory processing difficulties.

The relationship between SPD and APD is a topic of ongoing research and debate. Some experts believe that APD is a subtype of SPD, specifically highlighting auditory processing difficulties within the broader spectrum of sensory processing challenges. On the other hand, there are those who argue that APD is a distinct disorder that can occur independently of SPD. Regardless of the exact relationship, it is evident that both conditions involve difficulties in sensory processing.

Diagnosing SPD and APD can be complex and challenging. Currently, there is no specific test or medical imaging that can definitively diagnose these conditions. Diagnosis typically relies on a comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s sensory and auditory processing abilities, as well as an assessment of their behavioural and functional difficulties. This evaluation may involve questionnaires, interviews, and observations by healthcare professionals who specialise in sensory and auditory processing disorders.

Treatment for SPD and APD often requires a multidisciplinary approach tailored to the individual’s specific needs. Occupational therapy is commonly used to address sensory processing difficulties in SPD. This therapy focuses on providing sensory experiences and strategies to help individuals regulate their responses to sensory stimuli. Techniques such as deep pressure touch, brushing, and sensory diets may be employed to help individuals develop coping mechanisms and improve their sensory integration skills.

For individuals with APD, auditory training and therapy may be recommended to enhance auditory processing skills and improve communication abilities. This may involve exercises to improve sound discrimination, auditory memory, and auditory sequencing. Speech and language therapy may also be beneficial in addressing language and communication difficulties associated with APD.

It is crucial to recognise that each individual with SPD or APD is unique, and treatment approaches should be tailored to their specific needs and challenges. Early intervention and ongoing support are essential in helping individuals with these conditions thrive and overcome their challenges. By providing the right support and accommodations, individuals with SPD and APD can lead fulfilling lives and reach their full potential.

In Conclusion

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition that affects how the brain processes and responds to sensory information, while Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) specifically affects the processing of auditory information. Although separate conditions, SPD and APD often coexist and share similarities. Diagnosis and treatment involve comprehensive evaluations and a multidisciplinary approach. With the appropriate support, individuals with SPD and APD can overcome their challenges and lead successful lives.

Special Care Dentistry for High Needs Children & Adults: what is it?

For children and adults with special healthcare needs, finding a dentist can be a difficult task. Many dentists are not trained to care for children with special needs, and as a result, these children often go without dental care. However, there are a growing number of dentists who specialize in caring for children with special needs, and this article will introduce you to some of them!

What is special care dentistry?

Special care dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on providing dental care to children and adults with special needs. This can include children with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities, as well as those who are medically fragile. Special care dentists have the training and experience necessary to provide dental care to these children in a way that is safe and effective. They also understand the unique challenges that come with caring for children with special needs, and are able to provide the compassion and support that these families need.

Autism and Mental Illness as Dental Dilemmas

When it comes to dental care, children with autism and mental illness can pose unique challenges. Because these conditions can make it difficult for children to cooperate with dental procedures, special care dentistry is often necessary.

Some children with autism may have sensory issues that make it hard for them to tolerate the sights, sounds, and smells of the dentist office. Others may have difficulty communicating their needs or understanding instructions. As a result, they may resist or become agitated during dental appointments.

Mental illness can also complicate dental care. Some children with mental illness may be uncooperative or unresponsive during dental appointments. Others may have specific fears or phobias that make it difficult to receive dental care.

Special care dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on providing care for children and adults with special needs. Special care dentists are trained to deal with the unique challenges posed by conditions like autism and mental illness. They can provide sedation or other forms of assistance to help make dental appointments more tolerable for children with these conditions.

If your child has autism or mental illness, you may want to consider finding a special care dentist in your area. Special care dentists can provide the specialized care your child needs. As every parent cares more about their children’s dentistry than their own, that they want to provide their children the best care they can offer. This dental service is the perfect service for every children that has special needs.

What services are available?

There are a number of specialized dental care services available for high needs children. These include sedation dentistry, which can help to make the child more comfortable during dental procedures; and behavior management services, which can help to teach the child how to cooperate during dental visits. Additionally, there are a number of new technologies that can make dental care more comfortable and effective for high needs children, such as laser dentistry and digital x-rays.

Who can benefit from special care dentistry?

There are many children who can benefit from special care dentistry, but some of the most common beneficiaries are those with high needs. This can include children with chronic illnesses, developmental disabilities, and physical disabilities. Special care dentistry can help these children maintain good oral health and avoid potential dental problems in the future.

Marketing Dental Clinics

As a parent of a high needs child, you know that finding the right dental care can be a challenge. You want to find a dental clinic that is experienced in treating children with special needs, and that can provide the level of care your child needs.

The good news is that there are many dental clinics out there that specialize in treating children with special needs. These clinics have the experience and expertise to provide the care your child needs.

To find a dental clinic that specializes in treating children with special needs, you can start by asking your child’s doctor for recommendations. You can also search online for “dental clinics for children with special needs” or “special needs dentistry.”

Once you have a list of potential clinics, you can narrow down your choices by considering factors such as location, cost, and insurance coverage. You should also read reviews of the clinics to get an idea of what other parents think of them.

When you have narrowed down your choices, you can contact the clinics to schedule an appointment for your child. During the appointment, be sure to ask questions about the clinic’s experience in treating children with special needs and about their treatment plans.

Social Media for Dentists

As a dentist, you know that social media is a great way to connect with potential and current patients. But what are the best ways to use social media for your dental practice?

Here are some ideas:

1. Use social media to share educational content. Patients will appreciate your effort to educate them about dental care and it will help build trust.

2. Share news and updates about your practice on social media. This is a great way to keep patients in the loop about what’s going on at your practice.

3. Use social media to offer special deals and promotions. Patients love getting a deal, so this is a great way to attract new patients and keep existing ones coming back.

4. Use social media to show off your personality. Let patients get to know you as a person, not just a dentist. This will help them feel more comfortable coming to your practice.

5. Get involved in discussions about dental care on social media. Share your expert opinion on various topics related to dentistry, such as oral health care tips or the latest dental technology.

By following these tips, you can use social media to build a strong relationship with your patients and grow.

Why is social media so important to teenagers?

Social media is a platform for young people to express their true personalities and cares. As today’s kids need social media to express themselves it gives them freedom and power. Plus, it’s a holistic way of showing the world who you are.

Social media is not just a way to stay in touch with friends, it’s a way for young people to enjoy being together. For example, they use social media to share jokes, tell stories and watch their favorite TV shows together when they are in different places around the world.

People feel validated by their social media follower count and group memberships, especially teenagers.

Conclusion

If you have a high needs child, it’s important to find a dentist who is experienced in special care dentistry. This type of dentist will be able to provide the necessary care and treatment for your child, ensuring that their teeth and gums remain healthy. With the right dental care, your high needs child can enjoy a healthy smile for years to come.

It Might Be An Auditory Issue

Sometimes it can be frustrating being a parent. Or an educator. Or both. More so when we see potential of a child. Then realise we could be wrong expecting that potential. When they are attentive then loses interest. Have you considered? It might be an auditory issue.

Auditory Processing Disorder or APD can cause obstacles of passing the concise message from ear to the brain. APD is different from hearing loss. The sufferer can hear but is having complications with understanding. Hearing things like “It’s over there.” instead of “It’s on the chair.”. To others it could be a simple misheard thing but, again, it might be an auditory issue.

APD is sometimes referred to as Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) it is a disorder that impedes the processing of auditory information. This means that the ears and brains are not fully coordinated. The child can hear you but there is a delay before it reaches the brain. What you said does not immediately sink in. And at times words are misconstrued for another word that sounds the same. This can happen when people talk all at the same time or in locations with very bad background noises.

APD is not a learning disorder. It is an auditory issue where the brain does not hear sounds in the typical way. Most cases are diagnosed at school age where children are expected to pay attention and listen. Most auditory system does not fully develop until they’re 15 years old, so any child diagnosed with APD have to be submitted to testing again at this age.

How to determine if your child has APD?

It might be an auditory issue if there’s difficulty hearing clearly in noisy environment.
It might be an auditory issue if there is an issue with short-term memory.
It might be an auditory issue if they are unable to distinguish between similar sounds
It might be an auditory issue if they have an inability to remember lists and sequences.
It might be an auditory issue if they need to have words or sentences repeated often.
It might be an auditory issue if they have a hard time following conversations.
It might be an auditory issue if they would rather you write what you’re saying.

Getting one or two of these a check is not cause for alarm. Getting a few or all of them a yes might mean it is time to have your child see an audiologist to be certain.

Most Common Learning Disabilities

A school age child will face many firsts. Most first time parents are so full of hope and anxiety even on this stage of a child’s life. So many plans and so many fears that they will mess up. Most of the time this is unfounded. You would never convince them otherwise, though, until they have their bundle of joy tested. They have this yardstick that could sometimes be impossible to measure up to. And if the child does not, they immediately assume the worst. It sometimes helps to know and be aware of the most common learning disabilities first hand.

A learning disability is a condition that hinders processing skills like basic ones that could include reading, writing and/or math. Most are identified during the school years when schools are active at evaluating students and can catch signs and symptoms early. But some would fall through the cracks and never realise that their difficulties with academics could be because of a learning disability. This condition is not limited to the classroom, though, and could affect jobs and even relationships.

Auditory and Visual Processing Disorder – is a condition that delays or disrupts the processing of sensory information. Its symptoms include inability to distinguish similar sounds, understanding oral instructions poorly and have some trouble with concentrating and focusing.

Dyslexia – This is a disability affecting reading and related decoding letters and sounds. It affects the brain that process language. Some researches are focused on hereditary factors as it is recently determined that a distinct genes could be contributing to dyslexia.

Dysgraphia – this disability affects writing, handwriting ability and fine motor skills. It is a lifelong limitation but manageable with therapy and practice. Some cases of dysgraphia occur in adults after a trauma

Attention difficulties – a lack of focus and impulse control with sometimes hyperactivity involved. Some argue it is merely impeding learning not a difficulty. Experts are linking it with a genetic component. ADHD benefits from medication and behavioural therapies.

Dyscalculia – This is an explicit disability in numbers . With very high level of anxiety in dealing with anything involving math. Difficulty in counting backwards and understanding place values.

These disabilities can manifest with different states of progression, some individuals having more than one difficulty. But it can be managed with the right information, therapy, support and intervention. More and more studies are coming out to help with people who suffer from these conditions. And maybe one day there would be better solutions so that earlier detection and help be given these children and adults with these afflictions.

Coping and Living with Auditory Processing Disorder

Mothers with toddlers always can be heard saying “Pay attention.”. At this stage, their listening skills are developing. It is how they learn, by hearing and interpreting and retaining information. And then learn to respond. A child not attuned to listening might have difficulty comprehending. This could leave a huge impact on his learning. And being unable to catch up with other kids of the same age, this could leave a detrimental effect on his confidence. It is hard coping and living with Auditory Processing Disorder or APD.

Auditory Processing Disorder is slowly getting noticed and being given attention. But it is rare enough still that no definitive cure has been found for it. Still, it is a long way from observing inattentiveness of children to being diagnosed with Central Auditory Processing Disorder. It is highly likely some with APD, cases of low academic performance and others have been misdiagnosed as a similar but all too different learning disorder.

It is not loss or difficulty of hearing. It is difficulty in connecting, a lack of coordination of ears and brain. Absorbing information takes longer than usual and since children are not known for patience, expect outbursts and some show of frustration.

They are listening but process it differently. Imagine the world constantly with a whirring noise, spoken words are muffled and additional distracting sounds that you would need to rely on clues to determine what was said. Knock on wood can be processed as knocked on food as it is very hard to distinguish between words that sound alike. Jokes and metaphors,parties gatherings even listening to pop music because of the lyrics can be difficult for a person with APD.

Training, therapy and adequate listening and learning environment is a start. With how technology evolves, it may not be too long before an innovation is developed to improve ear and brain coordination of APD sufferers.

These individuals would often be introverts fearing they would be made fun of. Interactions and social situations are challenging in itself but with APD it can be doubly hard. Left undiagnosed it can make a child question his intelligence and refuse social activities.

Conversations, Anxiety and APD

Auditory processing disorder (APD) is not always recognisable and is in fact, a fairly new acknowledged disability, a ‘specific learning disability’ which if diagnosed by an audiologist qualifies for reasonable services and accomodations.

But what if it had gone on for years without being diagnosed? It is relatively rare, and cannot be accurately detected in newborn screening. It usually presents itself or noticed when a child is already school aged when an adult pay specific attention to determine for school readiness. And even then it could be passed as Attention Deficit Disorder or other learning disability even incorrectly pronounce it as autism.

It is not surprising to learn that many adult went through their lives believing they were slow learners, that they were dumb, dreading simple conversations, school interviews, and prefer written exams to oral ones and quietly retreat to their safe havens not knowing they had auditory processing disorder.

Lectures would be time to space out, phone calls from loved ones would bring anxiety instead of comfort and song lyrics a lot harder to process. These people that do fantastic on tests and abhor bar settings, loud noises, mishearing words on already slurred setting.

Getting told that some brains are wired differently than normal, that they process information slower than is normal can make the person less anxious and become more patient with themselves. Most people with this condition are hard on themselves because they can see how easy it is for other people while they struggle with it.

They would understand it better had they been deaf but they know that they aren’t and that is what’s so frustrating. So sometimes they would act out but most times they would experience a lack of self-confidence and retreat to their books where it is safe and their ears would not play tricks on them.

Importance of Auditory Screening

A disruptive boy in class who frequently gets into fights, the quiet little girl who doesn’t seem to be paying attention and the almost four year old child mumbling incoherently; these three children may share a common affliction. They may have problems with hearing.

Children with a hearing impairment have a lot of disadvantages to face. Frustration is felt by both the child and the people around him which could cause them to act out. Because of this impaired ability, communication may become limited and experience low confidence and self-esteem. Children will have a harder time learning to speak and form the sounds properly. If left untreated may severely affect a child’s development. Poor academic performance, language skills and social engagement among others.

This emphasizes the importance of auditory screening. Most countries have infant screening in place to detect deafness and other would be problems for the newborn. This is critical because hearing helps with the child’s ability to speak, communicate and develop early social skills.

But some hearing loss are acquired after the initial screening. This can be caused by exposure to loud noises, infections (mumps, measles, meningitis or whooping cough) or from progressive diseases like Meniere’s disease and otosclerosis, even medication and head injuries.

Some of these can be prevented by strengthening the child’s immune system. An improved maternal and neonatal health care and programs to prevent congenital infection. Immunization programs for both mother and child to combat meningitis, mumps and measles, rubella and pertussis.

Thankfully with the new technologies available, children with complex hearing problems can have a fighting chance with individualised treatment for their unique needs. Depending on the disorder identified and recommendation from their audiologist, they may be given trainings, therapies, programs or assistive devices designed for their specific needs for them to become faster learners, readers, hear better and improve their quality of life.

Parenting My Child Who Has ADP

Auditory processing disorder (APD) affects at least five percent of school-aged children around the world. This condition makes it difficult for them to identify the variations of sounds in words. Moreover, APD interferes with how the children process what other people are saying.

Parenting My Child Who Has ADP

The first time that I thought that there’s something wrong with my 7 year old boy was when I asked him to do a chore. A minute passes before he responded to my request and started on the task. I wondered whether he is having some kind of hearing problem, or was just preoccupied with what he was doing. This got me a bit concerned as I was a first-time mom. Days later, we went to a specialist.

I had my boy scheduled for a hearing test. But to my surprise, he passed with flying colors. Then the doctor suggested that I consult a different specialist as he suspects that my child has some kind of learning disability. And he was right. My kid was diagnosed with APD.

In all honesty, it is quite challenging to parent a child with ADP. I have to be extra patient, especially when instructing him to do things. More often than not, it takes time before my child processes and understands what I was saying. I always tell him that it’s okay; that his brain is wired differently. And that makes him special. As much as I want to protect him from this prejudiced society, he is growing up. He has to go to school and explore the world on his own.

Schooling and Socializing

I don’t know any learning centers that cater children with APD, so I had to enroll him at the local school. I’m quite thankful that his teachers are supportive of him. They always make sure that he is seated at the front. This way, he gets to focus with the lesson. Also, it helps him improve his lip reading skill, which I learned to be helpful for children with APD.

Children likes to tease, and my child was no different. His classmates make fun of him whenever he says something wrong, or interchanges words during conversations. Socializing is also challenging for my kid. He can’t keep up with all the fast-talking during group conversations.

Constant auditory training is helping him manage his APD. We also regularly perform exercises to improve his language-building skills. This being said, the best course of action in managing APD is through the cooperation of other people. The school is doing the best they can in helping my child deal with his disability.

12 Auditory Processing Disorder Videos Worth Checking Out

Here an American TV news item looking at auditory processing disorder in children and showing the example of Ben who struggles from school. For him concentrating in school is tough. Her mom explains that he is not getting the information which makes it hard for him to focus and hard to him to jot down notes.

This video is an example of working to improve Liam’s auditory processing skills – auditory memory, sequencing, etc. She does a lot of different types of activities to target this very important skill. This is a real weakness for Liam and it will be necessary to help move him forward in his abilities as it is equated with overall development, maturity, etc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKaPk8cm85I

The iPad offers tremendous opportunities to build the auditory processing skills of children. In this video several iPad apps are used to introduce children with pictures and help them associate the pictures with noises. This way they are fine tuning their listening skills which are great in particular with young children.

This video teaches a strategy for teaching students with processing disorders. Feedback loop which helps in working with memory issues as parts of information is being feed back to you and this process is explained and put into practice. Basically, the teachers says a word twice and the students will also say it twice and write it once.

This video explains how to identify the symptoms that revolve around auditory processing disorder. The symptoms are varied but the most common ones they find for most people and the major difficulty most people have is hearing and processing what they hear when there is any form of background noise.

This video goes in a little detail to find the cause of auditory processing disorder. It explains that auditory processing disorder can be inherited but it can also be treated. Statistics on the number of APD sufferers are unclear. Educators however, play can an important role in identifying APD sufferers.

Here is another video that talks about what is auditory processing disorder. Dr. Martha Burns explains that ADP is not a problem with hearing. The child hears adequately but the brain isn’t making use of the auditory information effectively. This makes it troublesome to hear to perceiving some of the sounds.

Channel 7’s Today Tonight featured the listening program treating sensory & auditory processing difficulties. The sound therapy program is a specific combination of classical music and sounds that is helping thousands of children. By using music and different frequencies in the music help retrain the brain to hear those different sound frequencies more accurately.

You can see here a simulation of auditory processing disorder exercise. Each conversation takes my full attention, along with complications such as: background noises, and other distractions. This video is made for people who want an understanding of how people with APD deal with the world, and how frustrating it is to just even have a conversation.

10.

This video is about assessing the problem with regards to auditory processing disorder. There are two ways ADP can be assessed. It explains here that first and foremost one must ensure that they have checked the student’s hearing acuity. Then the audiologist does what they call a bottom up assessment.

11.

Background noise is one of the main concerns of ADP sufferers. This video explains that it is absolutely crucial for classrooms to regulate noise particularly for students with auditory processing disorder. In fact, most children also benefit from ambient noise reduction as those children will be able to listen and focus more.

12.

Hearing and processing are key factors in auditory processing disorder. This video explains how hearing and processing works. Hearing basically takes place in the ear within the cochlear. On the other hand, processing is then what happens to that signal when it leaves the ear and has to travel through the auditory pathway.