Auditory Processing Disorder Factsheet (for Schools)

What Educators Should Know

Kids with auditory processing disorder (APD) can't understand what they hear in the same way other kids do. Something interferes with the way the brain recognizes and interprets sounds, especially speech, even when the sounds are loud and clear enough to be heard.

By understanding their challenges and supporting their needs, educators can help students with APD do their best in school.

Challenges for Students With Auditory Processing Disorder

Students with APD may have trouble with:

understanding speech when other voices or noises are in the background
“filling in the gaps” of speech, especially when someone is talking quickly or their voice is muffled
hearing the differences in speech sounds for slightly different words (such as mat versus pat)
understanding changes in pitch and tone that signal a question or a statement
understanding humor

What Educators Can Do

Work with your student’s family to understand their needs and what will help them most:

If your student has an IEP (individualized education plan) or 504 plan, use all modifications and accommodations.
Have your student sit close to the teacher to cut down on background noise.
If available, have your student work with a speech and language therapist at school.
Have your student look at you when you speak. Speak slightly slower than usual and as clearly as possible. There’s no need to speak louder.
Make sure your student has a way to read instructions for assignments (not just hear them). They can have you check what they wrote down, use a written assignment list that you provide, or use the school’s online portal.
Teach with as many visual cues (drawings, photos, charts, etc.) as possible. Give verbal cues (for example, “This will be on the test.”) to highlight important information.
Record lessons so your student can watch them again or with help.
Use assistive devices. Teachers might wear a wireless microphone while the student wears a wireless headset so they don’t hear as much background noise.
Help build your student’s confidence by recognizing and appreciating their strengths — in math, sports, drama, art, or whatever else they enjoy.
Provide support. If you think your student is feeling very anxious or down, talk to them and their family about counseling options in school or in the community. Some school districts don’t require parents’ permission for a student to see a counselor at school while others do. Check your local school district’s policies.