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Cognitive & Processing Interventions | Cognitive & Academic Assessments | One on One Interventions

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What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?


APD refers to challenges in how the brain understands speech. The sounds may be loud and clear. But people with APD don’t pick up on the subtle differences between them.


For example, people with APD may not recognize the difference between cat, that, and bat. The words seventy and seventeen may sound the same. Words can also get scrambled, so the question “how are the chair and couch alike” might sound like “how a cow and hair are like.”


There are four auditory processing skills that people with APD may struggle with:


  • Auditory discrimination: noticing, comparing, and distinguishing between separate sounds

  • Auditory figure-ground discrimination: focusing on the important sounds in a noisy setting

  • Auditory memory: recalling what you’ve heard, either immediately or in the future

  • Auditory sequencing: understanding and recalling the order of sounds and words


APD isn’t the only thing that makes it hard to follow what people are saying. Problems with working memory can cause similar challenges. And the difficulties with focus that come with ADHD can make it hard to pay attention when others talk.


APD and ADHD can look so similar that they’re often mistaken for each other and misdiagnosed. Plus, people often have both conditions, which makes it even more complicated.


Another condition that makes it difficult to understand what people say is receptive language disorder. But the problem there is with understanding the meaning of language, not sounds.

See more at: Understood.org

What Is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Sensory Avoiding


Kids who are sensory avoiding may react to a wide range of triggers. These can include loud sounds, uncomfortable clothing, crowded spaces, or certain food smells or textures, among others. Whatever the trigger, the reaction can sometimes be extreme.


Sensory overload can lead to sensory meltdowns. 


Here are some other signs you might see in your child:


  • Is easily overwhelmed by people and places

  • Seeks out quiet spots in noisy, crowded environments

  • Is easily startled by sudden noises

  • Is bothered by bright light

  • Refuses to wear itchy or otherwise uncomfortable clothing

  • Avoids touching people or hugging them

  • Has a strong reaction to the texture or smell of certain foods

  • Refuses to try new foods and has a very limited diet of preferred foods

  • Gets upset about small changes in routine or environment and avoids trying new things

 

Sensory Seeking


Kids who are undersensitive to sensory input often have a need for movement. They may seek out input like spicy or sour tastes and physical contact and pressure.


Here are some other signs you might see in your child at different ages:


  • Constantly touches objects

  • Plays roughly and takes physical risks

  • Has a high tolerance for pain

  • Often squirms and fidgets

  • Is constantly on the move

  • Invades other people’s personal space

  • Often gets distracted or feels anxious

  • Is clumsy and uncoordinated

 

 

See more at Understood.org

 

Screen Shot 2020-09-17 at 5.45.24 PM.pngUnderstanding and Solving Learning Difficulties 

You would not want to build a 10-story building on a foundation for a single story home. It is equally difficult to develop a solid learning system when something in the foundation is weak. During each phase of our programs, from the assessment to completion, we make sure that the foundation for the skill is developed to an appropriate level. When tutoring, extra practice and other school-based interventions do not solve the problems; there is something in the continuum interfering. 

 

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We start with a comprehensive assessment process to understand the REAL underlying issues and build a plan "from the ground up" to help students use their FULL learning potential.


 

 

Call to book an assessment: (916) 686-1619

or  Schedule a time for us to call and talk with you


 

 

Individualized Attention and a Personalized Plan for Each Student

As you study the continuum you will notice that there is an overlap among segments. In addition, within each segment, there are higher and lower skills. In order for a student to make and sustain progress, we start working on the highest level they can handle and still benefit from. 


However, without careful attention to the underlying skills that need to be addressed, students will not progress. That is why the tutoring, after-school programs and endless hours of homework have not helped solve the learning problems. Some underlying skills are so underdeveloped that the student cannot learn easily and efficiently so they can hold on to the new information.

When children are struggling, it is so tempting to attack the academic areas where grades are poor. Not all students need to start at the bottom of the continuum. However, it is very important to recognize that success at the higher levels is supported by stronger skills at the lower level of the continuum. 

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Keeping Pace 
Learning Center & Reading Clinic

8819 Elk Grove Blvd 
Elk Grove, CA 95624
Phone: 916-686-1619
Fax: 916-686-9319
keepingpace@aol.com