Auditory Processing Disorder and ADHD
by Jacy Manning AuD, PhD, CCC-A
What Are ADHD and APD?
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and APD (Auditory Processing Disorder) are two separate conditions that can make it hard to focus, listen, and communicate. ADHD mainly affects attention and impulse control, while APD impacts how the brain processes sounds. This can make it harder for someone with APD to follow conversations or instructions, especially in noisy places. Even though they share some similar challenges, like trouble focusing, these conditions are caused by different brain processes and need different kinds of help.
Do ADHD and APD Happen Together?
Yes, ADHD and APD can occur together. Studies show that 20% to 50% of kids with ADHD may also have signs of APD, like trouble following spoken directions or understanding sounds in noisy environments. Both conditions can make kids seem distracted, but the reasons are different. ADHD affects attention and behavior, while APD is about how the brain handles sounds. That’s why it’s important for professionals to carefully evaluate symptoms to give the right diagnosis.
How ADHD and APD Affect the Brain
ADHD and APD affect different parts of the brain. ADHD impacts areas responsible for focus, planning, and impulse control, making it hard for someone to concentrate or manage their actions. APD, on the other hand, affects how the brain processes sounds and language, which makes it harder to understand what’s being said. These differences help doctors and specialists figure out if someone has ADHD, APD, or both.
Getting the Right Diagnosis
Since ADHD and APD can look alike, it’s important to get a thorough evaluation. Here’s how each condition is typically tested:
For APD: Audiologists test how well a person processes sounds in different situations, like when there’s background noise. They might ask someone to listen to sounds in both ears, identify sounds with noise in the background, or remember the order of sounds.
For ADHD: Psychologists use checklists and questionnaires to evaluate attention, hyperactivity, and impulse control.
Research shows that while kids with ADHD might struggle with listening tasks, not all of them have APD. Careful testing helps make sure kids get the right diagnosis and support.
Helping Kids with Both ADHD and APD
Supporting children with ADHD and APD often involves using different strategies at home and in the classroom. Here are some helpful approaches:
Classroom Changes: For APD, reduce background noise, use visual aids, or give the child a seat in a quiet area to help them focus.
Behavior Tools: For ADHD, tools like planners, timers, and reward systems can help kids stay organized and manage their behavior.
Auditory Training: For APD, special exercises can improve how kids process and understand sounds, even in noisy settings.
Combining these strategies can give kids with both conditions the support they need to succeed.
The Buffalo Model for APD
The Buffalo Model is a way to identify and treat specific types of listening challenges in kids with APD. It focuses on four areas:
Decoding Deficit: Trouble hearing sounds clearly, leading to misunderstandings.
Tolerance-Fading Memory Deficit: Difficulty remembering sounds or focusing in noisy places.
Integration Deficit: Problems combining listening with other skills, like visual understanding.
Organization Deficit: Struggling to organize thoughts or responses.
Therapies based on the Buffalo Model, which we use at the Auditory Processing Clinic can improve listening, memory, and coordination between hearing and other senses.
By understanding the differences between ADHD and APD, we can create better support plans. ADHD affects focus and behavior, while APD impacts how sounds are understood. With the right diagnosis and tailored strategies, kids with ADHD, APD, or both can thrive at school, in social situations, and in their everyday lives.
Does this sound like someone you know? Have questions or comments? Reach out to contact@apcok.com our through our socials, we would love to hear from you!
