Auditory Processing Disorder and Sensory Processing Disorder: What’s Really Happening?

Your child hates the sound of the vacuum.

They become unsettled when their clothes feel scratchy. They avoid crowded places. They seem to notice every little noise around them.

So, what is actually going on?

When children react strongly to sounds, textures, movement or other sensations, it can be difficult to know whether you are seeing auditory processing difficulties, sensory processing differences, or a combination of both.

Although the two can overlap, they are not the same thing.

Auditory processing vs sensory processing

The easiest way to think about the difference is to look at the type of information involved.

Auditory processing relates specifically to sound and how the brain deals with what a person hears.

A child may hear a sound clearly but have trouble separating it from other sounds, recognising differences between sounds or making sense of spoken information in certain situations.

Sensory processing is broader.

It involves the way the nervous system receives and responds to information from different senses, including touch, sight, smell, taste, movement and sound.

So, while sound can be part of sensory processing, sensory processing is not limited to hearing.

What can auditory processing difficulties look like?

A child with auditory processing difficulties may:

• Struggle to follow spoken directions
• Find it difficult to pick out speech when other sounds are present
• Frequently mishear words
• Have trouble telling similar sounds apart
• Need extra time to respond to spoken information
• Find lengthy verbal instructions difficult to manage
• Struggle to follow conversations involving several people

One important point is that auditory processing difficulties can occur even when hearing itself is normal.

The ears may detect the sound, while the challenge lies in how the brain deals with that auditory information.

What can sensory processing differences look like?

Sensory processing differences can show up in many different ways.

A child may:

• Become distressed by certain textures
• Avoid particular foods because of their smell, taste or texture
• Seek lots of movement or physical activity
• Find bright lights uncomfortable
• Dislike being touched unexpectedly
• Become overwhelmed in environments with lots of sensory input
• Seek out strong sounds, movement or other sensations

And sometimes the response goes in the opposite direction.

One child may cover their ears when someone plays music. Another may constantly make noises or seek loud sounds.

There is no single sensory profile that applies to every child.

Where do the two overlap?

Sound is both an auditory experience and a sensory experience.

This is where things can become confusing.

A child who covers their ears when a blender is switched on may be reacting to the intensity of the sound. Another child may become overwhelmed because the noise is one part of an already busy sensory environment.

Someone else may have difficulty following what their parent is saying because they cannot easily separate the voice from the sounds happening around them.

The behaviour may look similar, but the reason behind it can be quite different.

That is why “They are sensitive to noise” does not tell you the whole story.

Look at what happens around the behaviour

One of the most useful things parents can do is notice the circumstances.

For example, does your child:

React to particular sounds?

A specific pitch, repetitive noise or sudden sound may trigger a strong response.

Struggle when there is too much happening at once?

The problem may appear when sound is combined with movement, people, lights and other distractions.

Have trouble processing speech?

Your child may not be particularly bothered by the noise itself but may struggle to follow what someone is saying when other sounds are present.

Show responses across several senses?

If touch, movement, smell and visual stimulation also cause difficulties, a broader sensory pattern may be worth exploring.

These observations can help paint a much clearer picture.

Can a child have both?

Yes.

Auditory processing difficulties and sensory processing differences are not mutually exclusive.

A child may have difficulty dealing with auditory information while also experiencing challenges with other sensory input.

This can make everyday situations particularly demanding.

Imagine getting ready for school. There is the noise of the kettle, someone talking, clothes that feel uncomfortable, bright bathroom lights and the pressure of getting out the door on time.

For a child who finds several types of sensory input difficult to manage, all of those things can add up.

The important thing is not to assume that one label explains everything.

Why getting the distinction right matters

It can be tempting to focus on the behaviour.

“She’s overreacting.”

“He never listens.”

“They can’t cope with noise.”

But behaviour is only the visible part.

The more useful question is: What is making this situation difficult for my child?

If the main issue involves making sense of spoken information, auditory processing may need closer attention. If your child reacts across several sensory systems, broader sensory support may be relevant.

And sometimes, both need to be considered.

What can parents do?

Start with observation rather than diagnosis. For a week or two, make a note of situations that tend to trigger a strong response.

Record:

• What was happening?
• Which sounds or sensations were involved?
• Was the environment busy or quiet?
• How did your child react?
• Did removing the stimulus help?
• Was your child tired, hungry or already stressed?

You may start to notice patterns that were difficult to see before.

It is also worth speaking with your child’s teacher or other professionals involved in their care. They may notice different triggers at school or in other settings.

If you have concerns about hearing or auditory processing, an appropriate assessment can help determine what may be contributing to the difficulty.

Where does the Tomatis® Method fit?

The Tomatis® Method is a listening-based approach that uses specially modified music and voice recordings delivered through specialised equipment.

It focuses on auditory stimulation and the listening process.

For parents considering the Tomatis® Method, it is important to look at the individual child and the specific challenges they are experiencing. Auditory processing concerns and broader sensory needs may require different forms of assessment and support.

The Tomatis® approach should therefore be considered as part of a broader picture, rather than as a one-size-fits-all answer.

It may be more than “sensitivity”

If your child reacts strongly to sound, touch, movement or other everyday sensations, there may be more behind the behaviour than simply being fussy or difficult.

Auditory processing and sensory processing are different, but they can intersect in ways that are not always obvious.

Instead of focusing only on the reaction, pay attention to the trigger, the setting and what happens afterwards.

Those details can help you work out whether your child is struggling with sound specifically, with a wider range of sensory input, or with both.

Want to Explore Your Child’s Listening Needs?

If your child finds certain sounds difficult, struggles in busy environments or has challenges with listening and auditory processing, the right starting point is looking at their individual needs.

Learn more about the Tomatis® Method and speak with our team about whether a listening-based approach may be suitable for your child.