Photo: Sam Balye (@sambalye) | Unsplash Photo Community
If an otherwise bright child is struggling academically, it can inevitably lead to a great deal of frustration and guilt. Furthermore, clinicians might be more inclined to test for learning differences/disabilities before physiological conditions—ironically, perhaps, since they should probably be ruled out before assuming a neurological disorder is to blame.
In many cases, central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) is the culprit for a child’s low grades, difficulty understanding their teacher, and completing homework successfully. Also known as auditory processing disorder (APD), this condition impacts somewhere between 3-5% of children in the elementary and secondary grades.
Before scheduling a diagnostic test for learning disability, which can be time-consuming, check with your pediatrician to see if hearing problems might be to blame for your child’s struggles at school. An auditory assessment can quickly reveal if audio processing issues are interfering in the classroom.
Early Intervention
As with any medical condition that negatively effects the child’s academic performance and social functioning, it is valuable to target the problem as early as possible. That way, by the time they reach high school, they are prepared to handle the academic rigor of post-secondary education.
Early intervention is key. It allows clinicians, parents, teachers, and peers alike to have a more comprehensive understanding of what exactly is wrong and what accommodations can be used. Such accommodations might include an IEP or transition to a special education school.
Special Education for CAPD
There are numerous benefits to transferring to a special education school. Small class sizes and well-trained specialized teachers make it a comfortable environment for a child with CAPD.
Staff are well-equipped to handle the unique challenges that CAPD bring. For instance, they understand that a child is unlikely to thrive in a loud classroom with auditory processing disorder. Classroom instruction is delivered with a mixture of one-on-one assistance and tools that help students with audio processing issues, such as voice-to-print tools.
If your child has been diagnosed with CAPD and you are seeking an alternative approach to their education, reach out with any questions you might have or schedule a tour of our Grand Rapids campus.
