One component that can factor into Attention Deficit Disorder is something called Auditory Processing Disorder. If you’re not familiar with this term, it has to do with the way the brain processes auditory information. Auditory Processing Disorder isn’t related to a hearing impairment. A child with APD can hear just fine. The impairment is in the brain’s ability to process and understand the sounds that are being heard, especially the sounds connected with speech.
ADHD and Auditory Processing Disorder
If your child is having trouble learning or following directions, you may not want to rule out having your child tested for APD. Oftentimes a child has been diagnosed with ADHD, but the actual problem may be the underlying weak skills contributing to APD, because there are eleven behavior manifestations that overlap between the two conditions. APD can also occur alongside ADHD, so it’s possible that your child has both. One condition doesn’t necessarily rule out the other, but when we understand the nature of the cognitive deficit the child is experiencing, it makes it much easier to correct it.
Auditory Memory is Low
I use the analogy of a one full cup (liquid measuring cup) as what most of us are working with when it comes to our ability to process and store information that we hear. If your child has APD, then there is a chance that your child has only a quarter cup container to work with instead of a full cup. So, picture this, in school, their teacher is doling out a cup’s worth of auditory information, but your child can only process a quarter of a cup. Guess what happens next? Once their smaller cup of storage starts overflowing, they start manifesting what looks like ADHD symptoms, like fidgeting or spacing out. They simply cannot process all of the information that’s being delivered to their brain through their ears, so they shut down.
Strengthen All Cognitive Skills and Integrate into the Classroom
The good news is that with my Student Transformation System using the power of brain training, the part of the brain that processes auditory information can be strengthened. This is why the first thing I do with all of my students is to perform a cognitive assessment so I can fully understand what we’re working with. If it turns out that they have weak cognitive skills specifically contributing to Auditory Processing Disorder, I individualize your child’s program to include exercises to strengthen the part of the brain that governs their auditory processing skills.
If your child has APD, we often see tremendous improvement in their cognitive ability once we strengthen their auditory processing skills through brain training. If your child is on medication, many times it can be reduced or eliminated by the time the training is done.
Book your FREE 30 Minute Consultation Today!
Want To Use This Article In Your Ezine or Website? I would be honored, and just ask that you include the following with the article:
Colleen Bain is the best-selling author of Overcomers Inc. She writes, trains and consults in advanced brain training for children and their parents, teachers and professionals. Professionals also look to Colleen for her expert coaching relative to starting and expanding a brain training business. To find out how Enhanced Learning Skills for Kids can help you – visit How Enhanced Learning Skills for Kids Can Help Your Child!
