Hearing is the ears' ability to hear certain sounds and frequencies while auditory processing is the system that allows those sounds and frequencies to be heard and processed efficiently and correctly.
Just as vision problems affect academics, so does auditory problems. Unfortunately, auditory processing difficulties directly impact academics, but there is little to no help in changing the difficulty within the school setting because the reasons stem from the underlying learning skills and not academic skills, which is what schools are directed to address.
Parents and educators must become educated in what auditory processing disorder is and how it can be addressed in and out of the classroom.
As a starting point, below is a symptom list that can be shared with both parents and educators.
It's important to note that these are just symptoms and do not in any way reflect on a students intelligence. If three or more of these are seen, however, help should be sought to assess and to address potential future struggles.
- Says 'Huh' or 'What' more than five times per day
- Poor listening skills
- Has trouble paying attention to and remembering information presented orally
- Has problems carrying out multi-step directions
- Needs more time to process information
- Has low academic performance
- Has behavior problems
- Has language difficulty (e.g., they confuse syllable sequences and have problems developing vocabulary and understanding language)
- Has difficulty with phonics, reading, comprehension, spelling, and vocabulary
- Has excessively strong reactions – or virtually none at all – to loud or unusual noises
- Not speaking as well as other same-age children
- Seems to ignore you when you call his name although you know he can hear
- Has a significant history of ear infections as a toddler
- Covers his ears frequently to block out sound – or for no apparent reason
- Seems uncomfortable or distracted in a group or busy room
- Reacts to sounds you don't hear – or react to them long before you hear them
- Has an unusually high or low voice volume
- Often asks others to repeat what they have said
Now that we've seen what auditory processing difficulties look like, so what should parents do to get help?
First, they should let their child's teacher know so that the school can begin making accommodations to begin relieving those struggles in the classroom. This may include moving the student's seat closer to the front of the classroom and providing written notes/directions. It's important to remember, however, that these are just accommodations and while they may help in the short term, they will not fix the problem.
The next step for parents is to seek out professionals with knowledge of auditory processing struggles who provide programs to fix the causes at the root.
This usually isn't found in pediatrician/audiologist/occupational/physical therapist offices or even through a tutor. To begin eliminating the child's struggles, auditory stimulation is needed. A learning skills specialist trained in this
area will be able to sit with you to help determine the specific areas of the auditory system that need help and will work with families to develop a comprehensive program that should include therapeutic music and sound training
for the struggling student. And don't forget to ask for a list of other families who've worked with the program and trainer!
And last, parents should follow the auditory training program as prescribed.
An effective program requires 1-2 hours per week of one-on-one work with a clinician with home training taking place 5-6 days per week and should include a variety of 6-8 therapeutic CD's that will span 4-5 months.
A program like described above, allows for the intensive, repetitive auditory training that will begin to change what and how your daughter hears. Other areas seeing noticeable improvements include: attention, focus/concentration, behavior, motivation, self-confidence/self-esteem, independent homework, relationships, etc.
Finally, it is important for parents not to lose hope! There is help for their struggling student!
Pamela
Grandin is owner and Director of Hunter Learning Solutions LLC located in Ballston Spa, New York. Since 2001, she has been helping children address and fix the causes of learning struggles including auditory processing difficulties. She has developed an Auditory/Visual Processing Simulation Seminar that helps parents, educators and professionals feel what it's like to struggle with these disorders. In 2005, she also helped co-develop a combination movement/auditory stimulation program that has been used as a template for similar programs in other states, including California. For additional information about their services, Pamela can be
reached at pgrandin@HunterLearningSolutions.com To schedule Pamela to speak at an event, to present her Auditory/Visual Processing Simulation or to obtain a list of her other presentations, please contact her directly at 518-441-4236.
Annelise Kavannaugh,
Ballston Spa Council President
kavacookie@nycap.rr.com
