What is Central Processing Disorder (CAPD)
July 28, 2024
Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), or simply Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), is a condition where the brain has difficulty processing sounds. Individuals with CAPD can hear sounds, but their brains do not interpret these sounds correctly. This can affect their ability to understand speech, particularly in noisy environments, and can impact their ability to follow conversations, remember spoken information, and learn to read.
Symtoms
Key symptoms of CAPD include:
– Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments
– Frequently asking for repetition or clarification
– Difficulty following spoken instructions
– Problems with reading, spelling, and comprehension
– Inconsistent responses to auditory information
Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically involves a series of auditory tests conducted by an audiologist or a specialist in auditory processing. Treatment often includes auditory training exercises, environmental modifications, and sometimes speech-language therapy.
Example
1. Classroom Environment: A student with CAPD may struggle to understand the teacher’s instructions when there is background noise, such as other students talking or moving around. Even though the student can hear the teacher speaking, they may have difficulty processing the specific words and instructions, leading to misunderstandings or incomplete tasks.
2. Following Conversations: An adult with CAPD might find it hard to follow a conversation at a crowded party. While they can hear the sounds of the conversation, they may have trouble distinguishing the speech from the background noise, causing them to miss key parts of the discussion and respond inappropriately.
3. Remembering Spoken Information: A child with CAPD might have difficulty remembering a list of spoken instructions, such as “First, put on your shoes, then get your backpack, and finally, meet me at the door.” They may only remember the first or last part of the instructions, leading to confusion and incomplete tasks.