Compensatory Strategies for Central Auditory Processing Disorder

By Beata Klarowska, M.S. CCC-SLP
Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Compensatory Strategies for Central Auditory Processing Disorder

Children and adults with central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) exhibit difficulty processing information presented verbally resulting in difficulties in language comprehension, following directions, and discriminating differences or similarities among speech sounds. CAPD makes learning new information very challenging. Learning a new word, as well as spelling and reading are also affected by CAPD.

Research is still needed in the area of CAPD; however, most researchers agree that providing individualized direct language and auditory intervention, teaching compensatory strategies, and using environmental modifications may have a positive outcome over the long term (Bellis, 2008).

Compensatory strategies for children or adults with CAPD or other auditory processing disorders are aimed at helping the individual with the disorder to adjust to his or her challenging environment (Geffner, 2013).

Here are a few compensatory strategies for individuals with CAPD:

• Eliminate or reduce background noise, e.g., close the door and windows to reduce outside noise or turn off music, etc.

• Use noise-reducing headphones when studying or taking a test

• Ask for a separate quiet room when taking a test

• Sit in front of the room so you can focus on the teacher and instructions

• Avoid sitting next to a talkative friend in the classroom

• Lip-read when listening at home or school

• Pay attention to classroom visuals

• Ask the speaker to repeat

• Ask the speaker to speak louder

• Ask the teacher for clarification or ask the teacher to use visuals

• Ask the speaker to paraphrase what was not understood using simpler sentences

• Write down the difficult-to-understand words and ask the teacher to explain them in person after class

• Ask the teacher to provide what will be covered next time so you can study new vocabulary and prepare ahead of time

• Repeat directions out loud to yourself

• Use study aids in school such as a tape recorder or iPad with a recording app

• Take notes and compare your notes with your classmates

• Form a study group with some of your classmates to review material and homework

References

Geffner, D., Ross-Swain, D. 2013. Auditory Processing Disorders. Assessment, Management and Treatment. Second Edition.

Bellis, T.J., Anzalone, A.M. Intervention Approaches for Individuals with (Central) Auditory Processing Disorder. Contemporary Issues in Communication Science and Disorders. Volume 35. 143–153. Fall 2008© NSSLHA.

Beata Klarowska, M.S. CCC-SLP

Beata Klarowska is an American Speech Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certified speech and language pathologist, licensed by the state of California.Beata cofounded Virtual Speech Center Inc. in 2011 and, to date, has developed more than 30 apps for speech, language, and cognition.

Apps related to this post

7/25/2011

Speech and Language Development (Milestones)

By Beata Klarowska, M.S. CCC-SLP

Speech and language development begins very early, before a child says his or her first word. Early adult –infant interactions in the forms of facial expressions, vocalizations, and physical contact trigger a domino effect of speech and language acquisition and progression.

7/25/2011

I think my child has Autism. What Do I do next?

By Beata Klarowska, M.S. CCC-SLP

If you suspect that your child has autism and he or she was not diagnosed at school, or is no yet attending school, you should contact a pediatrician to discuss your concern and obtain a referral for evaluation by a child psychologist. If your child attends public school, you should be able to get all of the services through the school. If your child is under the age of three, you should also contact the Regional Center.

Resources

Latest Posts

Back to School Apps Sale 2019
Thursday, August 15, 2019
Back to school apps sale 2019 is here! We hope that you had a great summer and got to rest a little! To keep up with our yearly tradition of “Back to School Apps Sale”, we put a few apps for speech, language and cognition on sale this year as well.
Apps for Speech On Sale
Friday, May 3, 2019
May is the Better Hearing and Speech Month and to celebrate we offer sale on speech therapy apps.
Private SLP Podcast
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Private SLP Podcast offers resources and tips for private speech and language pathologists.