Autism and Deafness: Guide

Joyce Sewell-Rutter and Stephanie Dawson | View as single page | Feedback/Impact
Autism and deafness
Evidence
Background Definitions
Learning Strengths and Challenges
Support Strategies
Resources
Case studies
Deafness Articles
Autism - definitions
Communication
Educational placement
Signpost to websites
Early Years
Autism Articles
Conditions associated with Autism
Auditory processing
Out and about
ToD list / forum
Primary
Autism and Deafness Articles
Patterns of deafness
Language acquisition
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Secondary
Background Reading: Autism
Co-occurring patterns of deafness and Autism
Sensory issues
Early Years
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Complex/PLMD
Complex Needs
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Alternative therapies - Yoga, Music Therapy, Equine Therapy, Dog Therapy
Social and emotional wellbeing and mental health
Families
Transitions
Routines
Technology
Behaviours and stereotypies
Strength of Evidence
Transferability
Editors' Comments
Areas for further research
Online community

Auditory processing

An Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) refers to difficulty processing what is heard.  APD is characterised by poor perception of speech and non-speech sounds.  APD has its origin in impaired neural function and impacts on life through a reduced ability to listen [BSA APD SIG 2011].

In most cases hearing is normal but sometimes APD can occur in the presence of a hearing impairment.  It is more challenging to assess APD in the presence of a hearing impairment.  Your audiologist will be able to provide more information about this.

The interdisciplinary APD Service at the University of Southampton is a team of Audiologists, Speech and Language Therapists and Teachers of the Deaf/Educational Audiologists offering guidance on sensory integration, cognition, written language and medical issues, specifically relating to the ear, nose and throat.  The team is able to offer interdisciplinary guidelines for the individual, their parents/family and school/workplace and also in-depth assessment and management, if required.

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