Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is associated with hearing loss but is not caused by any loss of functionality within the ear. Instead the hearing is impacted by the way the brain processes what is heard. APD remains one of the less understood neurodivergent conditions. Research suggests there is a lot of commonality with differences in auditory processing within autism and ADHD for example, and researchers tend to disagree whether in these cases they should be seen as separate conditions or whether they are different elements of the same condition.

APD Strengths

Resilience
Visual thinking
Creativity
Problem-solving
Empathetic
Observant
Reading facial expressions and body language

APD Challenges

Processing verbal information
Remembering verbal information
Discriminating between sounds or words that are similar
Maintaining focus on auditory stimulus
Abstract/figurative language
Working memory
Language-based socialising
Sequencing

APD Barriers

Judgement from others / lack of understanding
Not being given long enough to process verbal information
Being spoken to in noisy environments
Following instructions that are only given in verbal format
Conversations that use long or complicated sentence structures
Lectures that rely solely on listening to the teacher

*Not everyone will face all these challenges, or have all these strengths. Everyone is different.

The following websites offer more information and resources on APD

Great Ormond Street Hospital: APD

APD Support UK

The Sound Learning Centre

APD and Higher Education

Alanazi, A.A., (2023). Understanding Auditory Processing Disorder: A Narrative Review. Saudi Journal of Medicine & Medical Sciences, 11(4), pp.275-282.
Agrawal, D., Dritsakis, G., Mahon, M., Mountjoy, A. and Bamiou, D.E., (2021). Experiences of patients with auditory processing disorder in getting support in health, education, and work settings: Findings from an online survey. Frontiers in neurology, 12, p.607907.
Wilson, W. (2017). Evolving the concept of APD. International Journal of Audiology.
Dodd, B. et al. (2012). "Auditory Processing Disorder: An Investigation of Teachers’ Understandings." Australian Journal of Special Education.
Dawes, P. & Bishop, D. (2009). "Auditory Processing Disorder in relation to developmental disorders of language, communication and attention: a review and critique." International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders. DOI: 10.1080/13682820802012096
Sharma, M. et al. (2009). "Compensatory brain plasticity in APD: Evidence from functional imaging." International Journal of Audiology. DOI: 10.1080/14992020902998492

Blogs are a great way to understand the real life experiences of having APD. Click on the blog titles below to open them in a new page.

The Learning Success blog

Living with Auditory Processing Disorder

Stories of Hope: Cooper's journey with Auditory Processing Disorder

Like blogs, Podcasts offer the first person experience, but through an audio file which can be listened to on smartphones or digital music and multimedia players.

APD with Riette Schwass

Geffner, D., Ross-Swain, D. (2019). Auditory Processing Disorders: Assessment, Management, and Treatment. 3rd Edition. Plural Publishing
Mountjoy, A. & Anderson, S. (2016). Auditory Processing Disorders: What teachers need to know. Speechmark Publishing
Ross-Swain, D. & Geffner, D. (2016). Essentials of Auditory Processing Assessment. Wiley.
Chermak, G.D. and Musiek, F.E. eds., (2013). Handbook of central auditory processing disorder, volume II: Comprehensive intervention (Vol. 2). Plural Publishing.
Bellis, T.J., (2011). Assessment and management of central auditory processing disorders in the educational setting: From science to practice. Plural Publishing.
Bellis, T.J. (2003). When the brain can't hear. Unravelling the mystery of auditory processing disorder. Atria Books

Celebrities with APD

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Introduction and Contents

Defining Neurodiversity and Neurodivergence

Neurodivergence and co-occurrence

Intersectionality

Spiky Profile

Internalised challenges