Auditory Processing Disorder ?

[hambirg]

I have suspected for some time that my DS10 has APD. He was slightly speech delayed and I had him evaluated at 3 by the school district (Child Find they call it here.) That determined that he didn't have any developmental delays, but they thought he just needed some Speech Therapy. Soooo. . .he received Speech at school and was just exited this last school year (4th grade).

When he was learning to read he had a difficult time. What I noticed is that he couldn't distinguish between many similar sounding sounds. I always suspected his hearing, but the Dr assured me his hearing was fine. . .and it does seem to be.

Ok, fast forward to last school year (4th). It was a dismal year grade wise. From his teacher, DS didn't follow directions well and frequently didn't finish his work. I'm really afraid that as he moves to middle school he will be lost if I don't address this. I have been doing some reading on Auditory Processing Disorder and it sure sounds like him.

My question is, how do I go about having him tested? Do I bring it up with his doctor? School?

 

[bookwormde]

First relying on Child Find to determine if he has any of the more subtle developmental delays (differences) is at best a risky gamble since they lack the high level of specialty and competency that are required, especially those children who are intellectually above average.
Your first step should be to get a high quality comprehensive audiological evaluation (having a GP Dr. say everything is fine is only a little better than asking your aunt).
If that is clear (which it is very likely to be), then it is on to an auditory processing evaluation.
While there can be other factors, the vast majority of individuals who have auditory processing differentials, have brains that are genetically constructed differently from the majority of the population (neurotypicals). THis area is know clincically as executive fucntion (EF). The core of the difference is that for these individual the brain is designed to take in, store, discriminate, process and output information in what is a much more complex and comprehensive way, which is non linear (often is the simplest terms called visual, although "image", is a much more descriptive in terms of accuracy). This is in comparison to linear processing where everything is taken in one item at a time in a designed order, and processed that way.
You need to "tell" you doctor that you want the evaluation done (very few school have a clue about it other than reading the recommendations), since many have little understanding of what it is and even less as to why (especially if he has missed all the sign up till now).
Other indicators of these genetics are an exceptionally strong preference for iamge based input, being highly non discriminatory, and the ability to hyper focus on areas of strong interest.
If his brain is "wired" this way, congratulations, since virtually all the great creative and inventive minds are wired this way throughout history.
It does create significant challenges within school and other societal structure since they are all designed for neurotypical individuals and inherently discriminate against other neurological preferences, but once he is understood and properly supported, his capabilities can be amazing.
Good luck and if you have any other question please feel free to ask.
bookwormde

 

[AZDisFamily]

We are having our daughter evaluated for APD in late August. I just called up her pediatrician and asked for it. The pediatrician wasn't quite sure who to send me to, so she researched it and called back with a referral to the local University clinic that does the evaluations.

 

[hambirg]

Ahhh. . .thank you so much! I will speak with his MD and push for a proper evaluation. He does seem to be quite an intelligent kid, which makes him not doing well in school that much more frustrating.

He's in science camp right now and he is doing great, but it is mostly hands on type of lessons. He also plays football, and his coaches point out how "coachable" he is. . .he listens and does what he's told (kinda the opposite of what I hear from his teachers). But in football they are almost always shown what to do (ie. run this route, block this way, etc) and I am also wondering if the helmet and the fact that the coaches seem to talk right into their facemasks has something to do with it.

Anywhoo. . .I don't think he lacks intelligence. He can kick my butt in chess and Stratego . Both of his sisters are highly capable. . .so the expectation is that I just don't have one child that is dumb. . .for the lack of a better word. He seems to be as intelligent as his sisters, but sometimes it takes a little longer for his light bulb to come on. . .if that makes any sense. If he is understanding something from the get go, he does seem to be a quick learner though. He also does seem to be very visual. . .almost OCD about some things. I just want to get to the bottom of this before he reaches middle school.

Thanks again!