Learning Difficulties – Auditory Processing Disorder

Dental Mercury: Still Lurking in the Shadows of the Industry

Losing your memory or not being able to function as you used to before is something that many people fear. While there are many causes associated with the common old age Alzheimer’s disease, the big question is, does dental mercury used in dental procedures cause it too?

Well, there are emergency times when you will need a dentist, and truth be told, most of us simply go in without doing any research. Dental mercury is something that has been used in dental procedures for quite a long time now, but it has become a controversial topic lately.

Many people have had dental procedures done to them, especially dental fillings, to help one deal with dental cavities and avoid tooth decay. One of the most common materials used in the procedure is the silver fillings, otherwise known as amalgam fillings. However, it is important to note that in as much as they are known as silver fillings, they are not made out of silver only. In fact, silver constitutes about 32% of the end product only. These fillings contain a large amount of mercury, about 50%, which is said to be toxic to human health. With that said, let us dig deeper into it.

Are Mercury Fillings Poisonous?

As it is, high amounts of mercury are very toxic in our bodies. However, small amounts of mercury exposure have been found to have no adverse effects as such. Studies are still ongoing, especially when it comes to the effects of using dental mercury in dental procedures. However, previous studies have shown that there are chances that mercury fillings can be associated with memory loss in old age, especially with people above 65 years of age. It is, therefore, a point of concern if the use of dental mercury is actually safe or not. But why use mercury anyway? Well, mercury is used in silver fillings as it helps it become flexible, hardens faster, and withstands the pressure of chewing over the years. Also, compared to other types of fillings, it is very budget-friendly.

When you get a silver filling as part of your treatment, it means that with time some of the mercury components are released into your body in the form of mercury vapour. When you chew food, for instance, it is approximated that about 2-20 micrograms of mercury are released into your system. Additionally, Chewing gum is estimated to release a higher amount of mercury vapour into the body. However, according to the FDA, their research shows that dental mercury used in amalgam fillings is actually safe for adults as well as children aged six years and above.

Nowadays however there are many progressive dentists in Australia such as Sure Dental in Queensland who eschew using mercury and who deliver much more holistic dental treatments. So you can consciously avoid mercury completely.

Bottom Line

The dental industry has advanced exponentially, all thanks not just to technology but to higher ethics gradually infiltrating the industry. Given the possibility that there are chances that dental mercury may, in the long run, cause Alzheimer’s disease, you have the option of exploring other alternative options. Talk to your trusted dentist and discuss the best option that would be suitable for your treatment.

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.

Dyslexia Symptoms What You Need To Know

A common misconception a huge number of individuals have to people who struggle to read is that they are inept or illiterate. With that being said, there are a number of factors that lead to reading disability. One of them is dyslexia which is known as a reading disorder, is characterized by trouble with reading despite normal intelligence. Believed to be caused by both genetic and environmental factors, dyslexia often occur to people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and is associated with similar difficulties with numbers. In some cases, it may begin in adulthood as the result of a traumatic brain injury, stroke, or dementia. Knowing the early signs of dyslexia can go a very long way in helping treat this reading disorder. Let us look at dyslexia symptoms and how to identify them.

Dyslexia Symptoms What You Need To Know

Dyslexia has quite a number of symptoms that are associated to this reading disorder. They are most visible in children with signs becoming clearing when attending school. These symptoms include having trouble with reading, writing, and spelling which was mentioned earlier. Other common and known symptoms include: ongoing trouble with schoolwork, difficulty learning a foreign language, poor handwriting, difficulty remembering numbers and as well as trouble following a sequence of directions and telling left from right.

Dyslexia is a troublesome disorder making it important to diagnose the condition early to help children cope with the problem. Parents need to work hand in hand with teachers to find a suitable learning environment that is able to cater to their preference and needs. For that matter, it is important for parents to consult with their teachers on every occasion asking how their child is doing in academics. As soon as early symptoms show up, it is best to not take these for granted and make the necessary adjustments for your child.

People who have reading disorder aren’t destined to fail. In fact, some have high IQ, yet may not test well academically. They excel with oral tests however, have troubles during written exams. There are also a number of dyslexic individuals who are talented in art, drama, music, sports, mechanics, story-telling, sales, business, designing, building, or engineering. This is made possible with them being able to learns best through hands-on experience, demonstrations, experimentation, observation, and visual aids.

You will indeed not be finding any shortage of dyslexia success stories when you look them up over the internet with some pertaining dyslexia as a gift and a challenge rather than a disadvantage. There are even a number of famous Hollywood celebrities who were diagnosed with dyslexia but were able to find success on their respective careers. This includes the likes of Orlando Bloom, Tom Cruise, Kiera Knightley and many more.

It is also good to hear that modern technology has contributed greatly in making dyslexia easier to treat. A local primary school has completed the first long term study anywhere in the world of dyslexia in the young and its treatment using lenses resulting in a measurable improvement in reading ability. In other news, an elementary teacher at Griffis Elementary School in Caddo Mills makes good use of technology to help dyslexic kids develop love of reading.

Several projects about dyslexia have found great success helping students with dyslexia improve reading skills while others are raising Dyslexia Awareness through a variety of means. Come join a local support group today!

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 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 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.

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.