Auditory and visual processing disorders are conditions that affect how the brain processes and interprets auditory and visual information, respectively. These disorders are not related to problems with hearing or vision themselves, but rather to difficulties in the brain’s ability to accurately and efficiently process the information received through these sensory channels.
Auditory processing disorder (APD) is a hearing problem that affects about 3%–5% of school-aged children.
People with APD have normal hearing abilities, but their brains have a hard time receiving, organizing, and making sense of sound. Auditory processing disorder is typically diagnosed in school-aged children.
Auditory Processing Disorder Symptoms
- auditory discrimination: the ability to distinguish distinct, separate sounds in words (a necessary skill for reading)
- auditory figure-ground discrimination: the ability to focus on specific sounds in noisy/competing backgrounds
- auditory memory: the ability to recall, in the short-term and long-term, information that is presented orally
- auditory sequencing: the ability to understand and remember the order of sounds and words
Common signs of APD, according to the American Academy of Audiology, include:
- difficulty hearing speech in noisy environments
- difficulty maintaining attention
- problems locating the source of a sound
- difficulty following directions
- commonly asking for information to be repeated
- inability to detect subtle changes in tone
- distracted and inattentive behavior
- difficulty learning to read
- academic difficulties, including poor reading and spelling
Auditory Processing Disorder and ADHD
There is considerable overlap between APD and ADHD symptoms. They include:
- distractibility
- inattention
- poor listening skills
- academic difficulties
- difficulty following directions
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD): APD, also known as central auditory processing disorder (CAPD), is a condition that affects the brain’s ability to interpret and make sense of auditory information. People with APD may have difficulty processing and understanding spoken language, particularly in noisy environments. They may struggle with tasks such as following directions, discriminating between similar sounds or words, understanding speech in rapid or complex situations, and remembering auditory information.
Visual Processing Disorder: Visual processing disorders refer to a group of conditions that affect the brain’s ability to interpret and make sense of visual information. People with visual processing disorders may have difficulties with tasks such as visual-spatial perception, visual-motor integration, visual discrimination, visual memory, and visual attention. They may struggle with activities like reading, writing, copying from the board, recognizing shapes, and judging distances.
Both auditory and visual processing disorders can impact academic performance, communication skills, and daily functioning. Individuals with these disorders may require specialized support and interventions tailored to their specific needs. It is important to note that these disorders can co-occur with other learning or developmental difficulties, such as dyslexia, ADHD, or autism spectrum disorders.
Diagnosis of auditory and visual processing disorders typically involves a comprehensive assessment conducted by professionals, such as audiologists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, or educational psychologists. The assessment may involve various tests and measures to evaluate specific auditory and visual processing skills.
Interventions for auditory and visual processing disorders can include targeted therapy, remedial programs, accommodations in educational settings (such as preferential seating, use of assistive technology, or modified instructional materials), and strategies to enhance compensatory skills. The goal is to improve information processing, enhance functional skills, and support individuals in their academic, social, and daily life activities.