Auditory Processing Disorder Vs. Receptive Language Disorder
Written by: Maria Panagiotopoulos, M.S., CF-SLP
What is Auditory Processing Disorder?
Auditory Processing is the overall way our brain interprets sounds. Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is a condition that makes it difficult to hear small sound differences in words. APD is also known as Central Processing Disorder. This disorder does not necessarily mean there is a hearing loss, learning disorder, or difficulty understanding language. The brain essentially has difficulty processing and interpreting certain sounds the typical way. An example of this is telling your child “raise your hand” and them hearing “haze your plan”. Even though the words can be loud and clear, children who have Auditory Processing Disorder are often not able to recognize the subtle differences between the sounds in words.
What is a Receptive Language Disorder?
Receptive language disorder is when a child has difficulty understanding the meaning of sounds and words. Children with a receptive language disorder can also have difficulty comprehending the meaning of phrases, sentences, grammar, and social contexts. Receptive language disorders can affect a child’s ability to communicate effectively and their social interactions with their peers.
Signs of Auditory Processing Disorder
1. Having significant difficulty understanding spoken language while in the
presence of background noise
2. Having difficulty following verbal multi step directions and recalling the
directions
3. Having a difficult time understanding what others are saying even if they are
close by
4. Having difficulty telling the difference between similar sounding speech sounds
5. Having difficulty with spelling and reading verbal information
6. Exhibiting memory issues
Signs of a Receptive Language Disorder
1. Difficulty answering questions and responding with an answer off topic
2. Limited vocabulary
3. Difficulty with reading comprehension
4. Difficulty imitating spoken sounds and language at an early age
5. Difficulty understanding jokes and gestures
6. Trouble following directions
7. Difficulty identifying objects and limited vocabulary
Helpful tips for Auditory Processing Disorder
1. Be patient
2. Use visual aids
3. Reduce background noise
4. Repeat and rephrase sentences and directions
5. Speak clearly
6. Preferred seating accommodations (in a school setting)
7. Breakdown complex information into smaller chunks
Helpful tips for Receptive Language Disorders
1. Model actions while explaining them
2. Reading picture books and using visual cues to enhance vocabulary skills
3. Providing child with two choices when asking them a question to help with
directness and to grow independency skills
4. Auditory bombardment with core and basic vocabulary helps your child develop
awareness of sounds and improve their ability to produce them
5. Simplify directions and refrain from giving too many directions at once
6. Encourage imaginative play
7. Games such as “i spy” and “simon says” are great games to play to help your child grow their vocabulary!
The Speech therapy team at C&FD offers complimentary 15 minute phone consultations to discuss any concerns you may have about your child’s speech development. Give us a call to set up a complimentary phone consultation or request an appointment on our website.
