Auditory Processing Disorder: Symptoms, Support, and Free Online Test

Over the past few years, there has been an increase in awareness and concern for Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) in children. Also known as Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), it is important to realize the clinical nature of this disorder and some its intricacies, as many of the symptoms can present themselves as a subset of several other more common childhood disorders. It is noted that APD affects about 5% of school-aged children in the United States. Boys are more likely to be diagnosed than girls.

What is Auditory Processing Disorder?

Auditory Processing Disorder itself is a disruption in the brain/body connection – how the central nervous system processes auditory information (sound). Auditory Processing Disorder is not a learning disability or a loss of hearing. It does not involve the comprehension of language.

Children with APD are thought to hear normally, but the breakdown is in how they distinguish the differences in sounds. This difficulty is most noted in a loud complex environment, like a busy classroom, birthday party, sports event, restaurant or cafeteria, or even on the playground.

Often, children with auditory processing difficulties function significantly better in a quiet, controlled environment. The impact of this type of breakdown can have a negative social impact, present as a behavioral challenge, and if left untreated, can even lead to learning delays, struggles with self-esteem and anxiety/depression.

What causes Auditory Processing Disorder?

To date, there are no known causes of auditory processing disorder. Medical professionals have linked some cases of APD to illnesses such as chronic ear infections, head injuries, lead poisoning, prematurity, low birth weight, or genetic causes.

There are many other neurodevelopmental disorders that have similar presentations as Auditory Processing Disorder. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and even some anxiety/depression symptoms may co-exist or mask APD.

It is important to rule out the above developmental disorders and mention health disorders before identifying a true APD. When seeking a diagnosis, it is important to identify other symptoms that may be part of the above neurodevelopmental disorders, and rule such possibilities in or out.

How Is Auditory Processing Disorder Diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves a multi-disciplinary team – a psychologist can determine a cognitive profile, a teacher or special education team can determine the academic impact, an occupational therapist can look at auditory sensitivity and other sensory processing challenges, and a speech and language pathologist will assess written/oral speech and language processing.

Only an audiologist can make a true assessment of the disconnect in the central auditory system and properly diagnose APD. Typically, when a child is around age 7 and older, in a sound-proof room, an audiologist will administer a series of tests and measures to identify APD, and then determine the nature and type of APD.

As part of an evaluation for auditory processing disorder, there are 5 areas that an audiologist will assess to determine if a student meets the qualification criteria for APD. They include:

• Auditory figure-ground – the ability to filter out background noise and attend to information in the foreground, which is important in a busy classroom.
• Auditory memory – noted when a student has trouble remembering information, lists, or directions.
• Auditory discrimination – often seen when a child confuses similar sounds, like CH/SH as in chew/shoe, or even coat/tote.
• Auditory attention – maintaining focus to listen to a (developmentally appropriate) activity until its end – like a presentation or lecture. This is a common symptom of other neurodevelopmental disorders, so should be teased out.
• Auditory cohesion – a skill indicated and measured when the above skills are intact, this is higher-level language/listening: drawing inferences, understanding riddles, processing math problems presented orally.

Five Skill Areas Assessed in an APD Test

What are the Treatment Options for Auditory Processing Disorder

If a child meets criteria for APD, treatment is tailored to their specific listening profile. Because the auditory system continues maturing into the mid-teen years, many children improve significantly with the right support.

Common treatment recommendations include:

1. Speech-Language Therapy

Targets sound discrimination, auditory memory, comprehension, and listening strategies.

2. Assistive Listening Devices (FM or DM Systems)

These devices boost the teacher’s voice while reducing classroom background noise. They are one of the most effective supports for school-based listening challenges.

3. Computer-Based Listening Programs

Used at home or in therapy to strengthen specific auditory skills.

4. School Accommodations

Children with APD often qualify for a 504 plan that may include:

• Preferential seating

• FM system use

• Written or digital notes

• Reduced background noise whenever possible

• Access to audio recordings

• Visual supports for lessons

5. Home Strategies

Parents play a huge role in shaping an easier listening environment.

Helpful adjustments include:

• Choosing a quiet spot for homework

• Reducing background electronics

• Establishing eye contact before giving instructions

• Slowing speech slightly

• Breaking directions into smaller steps

• Adding rugs or soft furnishings to reduce echo

• Using visual schedules, calendars, or reminders

Check out our video on Auditory Processing & Our 5 Favorite Activities

Take a Free Online Auditory Processing Disorder Test

This test is not an official assessment, but more of a tool to help you determine if an official assessment would be useful.