Poor concentration? Difficulty following instructions? An auditory processing assessment could be the first step to getting your child back on track.
Auditory processing disorder is a condition found in 2 percent of Australian children, affecting the brain’s interpretation of incoming sound information.
The Auditory Pathway
We hear sounds with our ears but understand them with our brains.
After entering the ear canal, sound is analysed in the auditory pathway, before it is interpreted by the brain.
If there is a breakdown along this pathway, auditory processing difficulties may arise, resulting in a range of challenging comprehension difficulties.
Auditory Processing Assessments are carried out over three 45 minute appointments. However, a standard hearing assessment must be completed prior (within 6 months) to an auditory processing assessment to ensure hearing is not the issue.
Does Your Child Experience These Difficulties?
- Poor attention and/or concentration
- Difficulty focusing and maintaining attention (some children wander around the classroom or daydream)
- Easily lost or disorientated
- Often forgets instructions or completes an instruction incorrectly
- Difficulty remembering verbal instructions, particularly multi-step instructions
- Difficulty listening in a noisy environment
- Difficulty taking notes from verbal instructions
- Difficulty with reading, writing and / or spelling
- Poor organisational skills
If you can identify with some of these difficulties in your child then an auditory processing assessment may be necessary.