Before even thinking about an auditory processing assessment, it is crucial for you to first educate yourself about auditory processing and auditory processing disorder. Auditory processing is mainly the effectiveness and efficiency of the central nervous system, which uses auditory information. On the other hand, auditory processing disorder is the difficulty in understanding auditory information by neurobiological activity and the central nervous system. There is the chance that this disorder can occur along with other types of disorders, such as impairment, learning, and language.
When symptoms of such a disorder are found in children, then an auditory processing assessment needs to be carried out to completely make sure. An audiologist and speech pathologist will carry out this kind of assessment; they are professionals specialising in this field and will have all the relevant qualifications to help your child.
It is likely you will notice changes in a child if he or she is suffering from this disorder. Here are some of the signs that may suggest your child should take an auditory processing assessment:
- It can be tough to understand the spoken language of you child when there is lots of noise around.
- Taking wrong messages and responding in the wrong way to your requests.
- Asking you to repeat things that are said to them.
- Inappropriate and inconsistent responding.
- Unable to concentrate, particularly for long periods of time.
- Easily distracted.
- Taking longer to respond when communicating.
- Learning nursery rhymes and songs can be difficult.
- Difficulty in learning spellings.
If you have noticed these signs in your child, we would recommend you speak to your GP, who is likely to suggest and refer them for this assessment.
Normally, the auditory processing assessment takes around two and half hours. If this type of assessment needs to be carried out, then it is crucial that your kid is healthy on the day of the assessment; their ears must be clear on that specific day, or the assessment may not be able to be carried out properly.
If you’ve decided that this kind of assessment is suitable for your child, then it is essential that you know everything that will be included with it. Here is my rough guide, to give you an idea about the process prior to visiting the clinic.
Case History Study
This is the time when the audiologist will speak to you regarding your child’s concerns as well as any concerns you may have. If you have any reports or referral letters related to your child then be sure to bring it along to this meeting and show it to the professional in question.
Regular Hearing Test
If your child has had any previous hearing tests, of any description, then take the results along with you. During the assessment, the whole day will be reserved for the hearing screening to create a bigger, overall picture of what is going on with your child’s hearing.
Specialised Test for Audiology
This kind of test is carried out to establish if the child has any kind of difficulties in auditory processing. The child will be asked to listen and then respond, with the intention of challenging the auditory system of the child.
Test of Auditory Memory
This test will assess the memory ability of the child and will determine whether they are unable to recall things to memory because they haven’t heard the initial audio correctly.
Literacy and Phonological Awareness Test
This kind of test offers information about the ability to listen and is required for the development of spelling and reading skills. It will only be carried out by the speech pathologist when the child is of an age that they would have an understanding of these principles.
What Is Done After The Auditory Processing Assessment?
Once the assessment is complete, you will be given feedback regarding the results of the test. This will often be a written report and a follow up meeting to discuss appropriate measures and treatment.
Would you like to know more about auditory processing?
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Author Bio
Joseph Webb is an excellent blogger and philosopher. He loves to provide useful information, which helps readers get more ideas. He can be found on Google+ and on Twitter @aussiesmag.
