Finding a parent who hasn’t complained about an inattentive child would be like stumbling upon a zebra in the Arctic tundra. Children are busy bundles of energy soaking up the world at a phenomenal rate, so it’s no surprise that they often ignore a parent’s suggestions to do homework or chores in favor of zooming around the backyard as a superhero.
But chronic inattention, especially when it affects speech, language, or learning, can be a sign of a neurological condition such as an auditory processing disorder. Check out these seven signs of ADP.
What?
Does your child often request that you repeat instructions or behave as if he may have a hearing problem? Children with APD listen to what you are saying but have difficulty processing the sounds that they hear.
It’s Too Noisy!
Does your child isolate himself or become grumpy in noisy environments? Does he have difficulty focusing under these conditions? Children with APD often have trouble sorting out multiple auditory stimuli.
What Was I Supposed To Do?
Does your child struggle to follow verbal directions or falter when trying to conform to multiple instructions given at once? Does he often ask for clarification? Auditory processing disorders affect the processing of sounds through the central nervous system, which can affect language comprehension.
Did I Do A Good Jab With That Bash Of Cookies?
Does your child mispronounce, misspell, or confuse similar-sounding words or have other signs of speech difficulties? Language processing issues that arise from APC can sometimes manifest as speech anomalies.
I Don’t Want To Study French!
Does your child struggle in language class or in any class that revolves around frequent, long lectures? Children with APD must work hard to understand complex language and rapid speech.
I Forgot My Homework Again!
Is your child forgetful? Difficulty remembering verbal instructions can manifest in forgetfulness as well as disorganization.
I Don’t Get It.
Does your child struggle to understand jokes, riddles, and puns? When you say, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” does he understand the idiom or does he take the phrase literally?
Many of the above symptoms may be present in children suffering from other disorders, such as ADHD and autism, which is why careful testing and examination by a group of multidisciplinary professionals is critical for a correct diagnosis of APD. A child’s auditory system matures by the mid-teens, so early detection and implication of speech-language therapy and certain hearing devices can do a world of good.