services
Auditory Integration Therapy
What are central auditory processing disorders (CAPDs)?
CAPDs are often characterized by a child having difficultly understanding speech and/or instructions in the presence of normal hearing. CAPDs usually are noticed when the child is in an atmosphere of sensory overload, i.e.:
- Birthday parties, classroom, crowded areas, restaurants
The child may have difficulty "processing" the same information that other children process. This also can occur when the clarity or volume of the speaker is reduced:
- When speakers cannot be seen
- When an ear infection produces a mild or temporary hearing loss
How is CAPD diagnosed?
There are a number of tests that are used to diagnose the presence of CAPD. Usually, these tests require that a child repeat words, phrases, or tonal sequences when the test signal is presented with background noises. Children are asked to repeat separate but simultaneous messages directed to each ear.
The child's scores are compared to children of the same age who do not have CAPD.
Common Signs:
- Auditory problems may be identified by:
- Speech/Language problems
- Sensitivity to sounds
- Poor attention
- Repeating phrases
- Difficulty following directions
- Difficulty with social interactions
- Auditory self stimulation
- Humming
- Self-talk
What strategies can be used to help a child with CAPD?
Most of the strategies listed below are designed to maximize the child's strengths and to not overload the child. Some strategies may work better than others with your child. Please be flexible and discover which strategies are more appropriate for your child. Place your child in classroom settings that avoid noisy or reverberant environments. Avoid open classroom placement.
- Preferentially seat your child near the area where the teacher spends most of his/her time.
- Teach your child to use visual information: look and listen.
- Gain your child's attention before giving auditory instructions. You might call your child's name, or, cue your child by saying "listen" or "ready" before giving assignments.
- Check your child's comprehension of auditory information before moving on to another topic.
- Restate important information. When repeating, try phrasing the information in a different way.
- Teach listening skills. For instance, your child should wait until the instructions are completed by the teacher before beginning a task.
- Give your child enough time to think and respond to auditory instructions or questions.
- Give your child information in smaller increments. Rather than giving a multi-stage instruction, provide instructions in "sound bites".
- Allow a "buddy" system with another child so that your child can check homework assignments or other instructions.
Fast ForWord is a monitored computer program for Language Processing issues. Kids In Action offers this program on site.
Kids In Action provides Auditory Integration Training on site. Please contact Kids In Action for further information and referrals.
Kids in Action of Long Island, Inc provides Auditory Integration Training on site. Please contact Kids In Action for further information and referrals.
Authorized Early Intervention, Pre-School CPSE and CSE services for eligible children are provided at no out of pocket cost to families. All professional staff are qualified, specially trained personnel credentialed and submitted to New York State for background checks by Kids In Action and licensed or certified by the State of New York.