An Auditory Processing Disorder is the inability to process information through the auditory channel. More simply: an individual has the ability to hear accurately however does not interpret the message appropriately. This disorder is characterized by an absent or slow response which may or may not be accurate. Most likely the individual needs repetition of information or is assisted by additional information through other sensory channels (sight, touch etc.).

An evaluation would include:
• individual and family interview
• administration of a variety of formal assessment instruments
• informal observation

Target areas of assessment include but are not limited to:
• evaluation of an individual’s hearing acuity
• perception
• discrimination
• association and attention skills

Based on the results of these assessment instruments a plan of care is established focusing on specific goals which lead to increased informational processing skills. The goals may include activities which stimulate auditory attention, use of increased visual information and environmental control.