central auditory processing disorder and adhd

#CENTRAL AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDER AND ADHD HOW TO#

The current study explored the incidence of ADHD in a group of 30 children who met diagnostic criteria for CAPD.Ĭonsecutive referrals specifically for this project were assessed on a variety of measures. These findings have raised the question of whether ADHD and central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) represent a singular disorder. When the root of the problem is uncovered, real progress can be made.Research has indicated that children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) demonstrate significant difficulty on tasks used to assess central auditory processing skills. But these medications will not be beneficial to a child whose symptoms are actually caused by SPD or CAPD, for example. For example, ADHD symptoms are often treated with prescription medications. For example, a child with SPD might get confused when everyone is talking at once and they cannot make sense of anything that is being said.Īn accurate diagnosis is important so that teachers and parents can best prepare to help the child. This test is designed to help diagnose Spatial Processing Disorder, where a child struggles to focus on sounds coming from one direction while suppressing sounds from another direction. One example is the Listening in Spatialized Noise -Sentences test (or LiSN-S). They use additional tests to further investigate each child’s case. When hearing in both ears is within normal limits, experts can turn to the possibility of a processing disorder, such as CAPD or SPD. Audiologists can check to ensure that the issue doesn’t lie in a child’s ability to hear. Diagnosing auditory processing disorders also involves an audiologist who can perform a variety of auditory tests.

#CENTRAL AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDER AND ADHD HOW TO#

Going beyond the issue of distraction and an inability to focus or listen can help educators, experts, and parents alike understand the child’s specific challenges and how to properly address them.Ī checklist of symptoms can be beneficial, but the journey doesn’t end there. Mistaking two words that sound alike (e.g., pear and bear).Asking others to repeat themselves often.Trouble remembering details they’ve been told vs.Difficulty understanding speech in a loud environment.

There’s a lot of overlap in symptoms, but there are also some subtle differences to look for: But diagnosing these conditions is difficult because auditory processing disorders can look like other conditions, such as ADHD.

Why an Accurate Diagnosis Is KeyĪuditory processing disorders affect anywhere from 3% to 5% of school-aged children. In both cases, it can look like the child isn’t paying attention or focusing on their work. A child with CAPD might have difficulty with processing certain words, phrases, or even letters that sound similar, such as B and D. Both of these are considered auditory processing disorders, where the brain struggles to make sense of information delivered via sound.įor example, a child with SPD may have trouble figuring out which direction a sound is coming from. However, ADHD can be mistaken for a processing deficit, such as CAPD or SPD. Symptoms of ADHD include not paying close attention to what’s going on around them, trouble focusing, not listening when spoken to, and struggles to follow instruction. When children struggle to pay attention in class, many teachers and parents consider the possibility of ADHD, which affects an estimated 8.4% of children. Here’s a little more on what that journey may look like. Getting the right diagnosis is key to knowing how to help your child move forward. They may explore the possibilities of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), and Spatial Processing Disorder (SPD). One path an expert will take is determining whether your child may have a processing disorder. The first step toward resolution: seeking expert advice to help their behaviour in school. You fear your child might get left behind. Their academic performance is poor compared to other students. But when your child’s teacher is telling you that your child doesn’t pay attention in class, misbehaves, and doesn’t follow instructions, you start to worry.

Teachers feel the same way about their students. All parents want the very best for their child.

Central auditory processing disorder and adhd