Dyslexia Support South: Where hope meets learning
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Auditory Processing Disorder

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is a hearing problem which occurs not in the ears but in the hearing pathways or hearing centres of the brain. The ears may process sound normally, and the person may pass ordinary hearing tests, but the brain has difficulty interpreting what is heard.

APD is not a specific learning difficulty but a processing disorder. The brain does not process what it hears correctly. This can impact at home and in the classroom with not being able to keep up with the speed of verbal information spoken or remembering the verbal information given. They can also struggle to process verbal information if there is background noise.

Common signs of APD

Children with APD are usually of normal intelligence and pass standard hearing tests, but they sometimes have difficulty understanding what they hear. A child with APD will typically exhibit some of the following signs.

  • difficulty comprehending spoken language unless brief, clear and simple
  • hearing difficulty against other background sound
  • poor listening skills
  • slowness in processing spoken information
  • poor auditory memory (difficulty attending to and remembering spoken information)

Other possible signs include

  • insensitivity to tone of voice or other nuances of speech
  • sensitivity to excessive auditory stimulation (eg noisy situations)
  • extreme tiredness after school
  • problems with comprehension, language, phonics, spelling, vocabulary, reading or written language

How common is Auditory Processing Disorder?

Research states that APD affects 2-3% of the population.

Other issues that can co-exist

APD can co-exist with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia and dysgraphia.

Further information

For more information visit the SoundSkills website.

Hear For Families APD Support Group: A national support group for people living with APD has been established. It is called Hear For Families. This group is based in Auckland but may be able to help with any questions you have. New members are very welcome. Contact email is or see their page on facebook

In this section

  • Types of learning differences
    • Dyslexia
    • Dyscalculia
    • Dysgraphia
    • Dyspraxia
    • Visual stress
    • Auditory Processing Disorder
    • Slower processing abilities
      • Slower processing at school and in the home
      • Slower processing and social relationships
  • Interventions available in Southland
  • Support in the Otago Region
  • Emotional impact
    • How parents can support their dyslexic child.
    • Anxiety
    • Low self esteem
    • Growth Mindset
    • Support agencies
    • Should I label my child dyslexic?
    • How can I help my child?
    • Strengths of Dyslexia
    • Increasing dyslexia awareness
    • Wellbeing support programmes
  • Assessment options in Southland and Otago
    • Dyslexia
    • Auditory Processing Disorder
    • Irlen Syndrome
  • School information
    • Choosing and transitioning to a new school
    • Study tips
    • Special Assessment Conditions
      • Special Assessment Conditions for NCEA
      • Assessment tools in Primary Schools
    • Funding and scholarships
    • Assistive technology
    • Who do I speak to at school?
    • Talking with your child’s school
    • Home learning tips
  • Resources
    • Download our printable flyers
    • “The Big Picture” DVD Hire
      • Our printable flyers
    • Books to read
      • Books for pre-teens and teens.
      • Books for parents
      • Books for children
      • Graphic Novels
    • The Value of Games
    • Tips for around the home
    • Decodable books
    • Assistive Technology
    • Ministry of Education dyslexia resource
    • Mind mapping
    • Working with dyslexic strengths
    • Be a ‘Strengths Detective’ - Learn how you can shine a light on your child’s dyslexic strengths to build self-awareness and resilience.
    • Executive Functioning
    • Dyslexia Friendly Invercargill City Library
  • Personal stories
    • Speech on Dyslexia by Milo Henry
    • A Mum’s Perspective
    • Diet and Nutrition for Learning & Behaviour - Our Experience

Dyslexia Support South and Growing Stars are programmes run by Learning Differences Aotearoa Trust.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is designed to assist parents, caregivers and educators by providing helpful information on the topics represented. It does not replace information provided by a qualified professional. Parents, caregivers and educators are encouraged to do their own research on programmes mentioned. Dyslexia Support South does not endorse or support any particular product or business.

© Dyslexia Support South 2023

Website by RS

  • Home
  • Parent Toolkit
    • Types of learning differences
      • Dyslexia
      • Dyscalculia
      • Dysgraphia
      • Dyspraxia
      • Visual stress
      • Auditory Processing Disorder
      • Slower processing abilities
        • Slower processing at school and in the home
        • Slower processing and social relationships
    • Interventions available in Southland
    • Support in the Otago Region
    • Emotional impact
      • How parents can support their dyslexic child.
      • Anxiety
      • Low self esteem
      • Growth Mindset
      • Support agencies
      • Should I label my child dyslexic?
      • How can I help my child?
      • Strengths of Dyslexia
      • Increasing dyslexia awareness
      • Wellbeing support programmes
    • Assessment options in Southland and Otago
      • Dyslexia
      • Auditory Processing Disorder
      • Irlen Syndrome
    • School information
      • Choosing and transitioning to a new school
      • Study tips
      • Special Assessment Conditions
        • Special Assessment Conditions for NCEA
        • Assessment tools in Primary Schools
      • Funding and scholarships
      • Assistive technology
      • Who do I speak to at school?
      • Talking with your child’s school
      • Home learning tips
    • Resources
      • Download our printable flyers
      • “The Big Picture” DVD Hire
        • Our printable flyers
      • Books to read
        • Books for pre-teens and teens.
        • Books for parents
        • Books for children
        • Graphic Novels
      • The Value of Games
      • Tips for around the home
      • Decodable books
      • Assistive Technology
      • Ministry of Education dyslexia resource
      • Mind mapping
      • Working with dyslexic strengths
      • Be a ‘Strengths Detective’ - Learn how you can shine a light on your child’s dyslexic strengths to build self-awareness and resilience.
      • Executive Functioning
      • Dyslexia Friendly Invercargill City Library
    • Personal stories
      • Speech on Dyslexia by Milo Henry
      • A Mum’s Perspective
      • Diet and Nutrition for Learning & Behaviour - Our Experience
  • School Toolkit
    • Catering for different types of learners
    • Creating a dyslexia-friendly classroom
      • Tips for the classroom
      • Dyslexia-friendly text and documents
      • Dyslexia-friendly teaching methods
        • 4D for schools
        • Universal Design for Learning
    • Specific learning difficulties and processing disorders
      • Dyslexia
      • Dyscalculia
      • Dysgraphia
      • Dyspraxia
      • Irlen Syndrome
      • Auditory Processing Disorder
        • Classroom accommodations for Auditory Processing Disorder
      • Slower processing abilities
    • Supporting SENCOs
    • Parent information evenings for your school community
    • Accommodations in the classroom
    • Decodable books
    • Information for teachers: Neil MacKay
    • Supporting home learning
    • Executive functioning in the classroom
    • NZQA National Qualifications for Specific Learning Differences
  • Growing Stars®
    • What Growing Stars covers
    • Our Facilitators
    • Upcoming Workshops
    • Growing Stars resources for sale
    • Community support
    • Support available from other agencies
  • News & Events
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