Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) in Children: Guide

Compensatory strategies

Improving listening skills

Developing awareness that listening is an active process involving self-regulation and monitoring, while hearing is a passive process (Truesdale, 1990).

Meta-cognitive and meta-linguistic strategies

This involves training in self-regulation and problem solving by identifying individual listening strengths and weaknesses, listening situations that are more challenging and possible solutions (e.g. move to a quieter area, use visual material, visual imagery and/or ‘chunking’ to remember and recall verbal information, write information down to stay focussed and remember verbal information).  Verbal rehearsal (also known as subvocalisation or reauditorisation) can be used to commit verbal information to memory.

The ‘Practical handouts’ section provides useful tips and practical information.

Reference

BSA APD SIG. 2018.  APD Position Statement and Practice Guidance                        

Truesdale SP. Whole body listening skills: developing active auditory skills. Language, Speech and Hearing Services in Schools. 1990;21:183-18/4.