The title above is a little bit funny. Because, what parent wouldn’t want their child to listen better? What parent wouldn’t want their child to hear and understand commands better, right? It is a constant frustration for parents. “Didn’t you hear me?” “You need to listen to me.”
Even though every child could benefit from increased listening and understanding skills, there are some children that have a disability in this area. Truth is, it isn’t about the ears ability to hear. Hearing screens are normal. It is about the brain’s ability to decode language, make sense of it, and produce an appropriate response.
Now, whether they have an Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) or not, Exercises are a good idea. It improves listening skills, short term memory and builds connections. You can do the exercises as games and it carries over into day-to-day life, making the child accustom to responding when spoken to. You can play ‘Mother May I’ or ‘Simon Says’. You can hide a toy and have them follow verbal instructions to find it. Make it fun!
When is it APD
If you have noticed a definite lack in their ability to follow your instructions, remember the sounds that go with letters or the names of shapes and colors. Or, if they are older and struggle with reading or comprehension. It would be a good idea to have an Occupational Therapist asses them for severity and types of APD. Find one that specializes in children and learning disabilities. You may discover that strengthening their Auditory Processing, Language Skills and Short Term Memory goes a long way toward minimizing other struggles. Specialists have discovered that Auditory Processing weaknesses can be misdiagnosed as disabilities like Dyslexia and ADD. Because Auditory Processing is really more about language processing, it interferes with reading and makes reading comprehension weak. Good new is that it can improve A LOT with Auditory or Listening exercises.
