Processing Speed

There are different types of auditory processing deficit, and not all respond to the same therapies.

However, FastForWord is a computerized program that was developed specifically to speed up processing of the sounds of speech. It is usually quite helpful for children who are diagnosed with auditory decoding deficit, and there is some indication that it can be helpful for auditory integration also. FFW is usually done at home, but you have to have a provider. The software costs about $850 (per software package — sometimes a child benefits from doing more than one) plus whatever the provider charges (sometimes a set fee, sometimes an hourly rate). I think you can find providers at the website, http://www.fastforward.com

For children with severe APD, it can be helpful to do a couple of courses of TLP (The Listening Program, http://www.advancedbrain.com) first. TLP conditions the auditory system. FFW is a very intensive program and can be quite difficult for children with severe APD. Doing TLP first can help. TLP is done at home and can be purchased online from http://www.rmlearning.com/auditoryprocessing.htm

There are other sound therapies that can be helpful for auditory processing, although I am biased towards the ones above. Other programs you can check out are Samonas and Tomatis (and probably a few others I can’t recall at the moment).

What I like about FFW is that it works specifically on the sounds of speech. (Other sound therapies use music.)

Just be aware that none of the above programs actually teaches reading. You still need an explicit, multi-sensory, structured reading approach. I prefer programs such as ABeCEDarian, Phono-Graphix (described in the book “Reading Reflex” by McGuinness), and Rewards from Sopris West. However, some children need more intensive reading programs such as Lindamood Bell LiPS and/or Orton Gillingham.

Schools often do not have the best programs for children with auditory processing disorders, but there is a lot you can do as a parent to provide what a child with APD requires for learning to read.

Nancy

I’d like to know the difference between developmental dyslexia and dyslexia.

I’d like to know the difference between developmental dyslexia and dyslexia.

I’d like to know the difference between developmental dyslexia and dyslexia.