CAPD under the magnifying glass ...
CAPD Is a growing problem affecting about 5% of school aged
children.
These kids cannot process the information they hear in the
same way as others because their ear and brain are not fully coordinated. The
brain cannot properly recognize and interpret sounds, most notably speech.
Kids with CAPD do not often recognize the subtle differences
between sounds in words, even when the sounds are loud enough to be heard.
These problems usually occur when there is a lot of
background noise such as children in a classroom or sitting at a mall or
restaurant.
How to detect CAPD:
The child has no problem picking up pure tones delivered in
a sound proof booth, as it’s a processing problem so once listening conditions
are not ideal the brain has a problem interpreting the message heard. So, most
kids with CAPD do not have a loss of hearing sensitivity, but have a hearing
problem in the sense that they do not process auditory information normally.
If not detected in time or managed early, many of these kids
will have speech and language delays and academic problems.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can take on
many forms.
1.
Is your child easily distracted or unusually
bothered by loud noise or sudden sounds.
2.
Are noisy environments upsetting to your child?
3.
Does your child’s behavior or performance
improve in quieter settings?
4.
Does your child have difficulties following
directions, whether simple or complicated?
5.
Does your child have reading, spelling or
writing or other speech- language difficulties?
6.
Is abstract information difficult for your child
to understand?
7.
Are verbal math problems difficult for your
child?
8.
Is your child disorganized and forgetful?
9.
Are conversation hard for your child to follow.?
10. Does
your child often say “huh”?
These question are also similar to the questions asked about
a ADHD child thus the 2 disorders are often confused or the child might have
both.
It is also possible to have CAPD and specific language
impairment or learning disabilities.
Causes are unknown, but there is evidence to link it to
chronic ear infections, lead poisoning and head trauma.
What to do if you suspect your child has CAPD:
Find an audiologist that can determine and has experience
with CAPD as it is not evident during a routine hearing test – only
audiologists can perform auditory processing testing and determine if there is
a real problem.
Once correctly diagnosed the child will most probably need
to work closely with a speech and language therapist and return often for
evaluations.
This problem once identified can be overcome if all parties
involved with the child such as teachers and parents are informed.
With out identification the child can withdraw and struggle
to cope with school- work and social events and they cannot properly identify
noise and its source.
I urge all parents that if they have had a child with
reoccurring ear problems or have a child that has been diagnosed with ADHD to
have your child properly screened for CAPD.
Source of information: www.kidshealth.com
