Overcoming Learning Difficulties With APD: Strategies for Improving Cognitive Abilities and Speech Information Processing

Francis was born to Helen and John after several challenges with fertility and pregnancy. The couple was super happy when they finally had their baby. But they soon noticed that their son, Francis, was showing signs of something called Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). This meant that as Francis grew, he found it hard to understand sounds.

Despite his struggles, Francis started speaking early, which was a relief for his parents. However, they soon realised that he was barely comprehensible and used jargon that only his mom could understand. His speech therapy did not show promising results, which was baffling considering he started early at the age of only two and a half years. This was a source of frustration for Francis as he struggled to communicate with others. His self-esteem took a hit, and he started to withdraw from social situations.

As Francis grew older, he continued to speak inaudibly, and when asked to repeat himself, he would shut off entirely. This made it difficult for him to make friends or connect with others, and he often felt isolated and alone.

As Francis entered his classroom, he faced a whole new set of challenges. Keeping up with the teacher, the lessons, and group activities was a struggle for him. He would often miss important instructions or misunderstand assignments, causing him to fall behind. One question he particularly dreaded in the classroom was when the teacher asked him, “Who is your best friend?” At the age of 7, he had no friends, let alone a best friend.

Why did Francis face these issues? Did he have difficulty hearing? Were there some other reasons? Most importantly, was there a solution to his problems? Let’s find out.

What Is Auditory Processing Disorder and Its Symptoms?

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is a neurological condition that affects a person’s ability to process and understand speech sounds. It is sometimes referred to as Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD). People with APD have normal hearing, but their brains have difficulty interpreting and making sense of the sounds they hear. Francis showed many of the symptoms of APD, including the inability to follow instructions, unable to express himself clearly, can speak but not be comprehensible, etc.

Symptoms of APD can differ from person to person, but common physical symptoms include difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments, trouble following conversations, difficulty distinguishing between similar-sounding words, and trouble with sound localisation.

Following are a few of the most typical symptoms

1. Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments

People with APD often have difficulty understanding speech when there is background noise, such as in a crowded room or in a noisy classroom.

2. Difficulty following conversations

Individuals with APD may find it challenging to follow conversations, particularly when multiple people are speaking or when the conversation is complex.

3. Trouble distinguishing between similar-sounding words

People with APD may have difficulty distinguishing between words that sound similar, such as “bat” and “pat.”

4. The trouble with sound localisation

Sound localisation refers to the ability to locate the source of a sound. Individuals with APD may struggle with this, making it difficult for them to identify where sounds are coming from.

5. Difficulty with reading, spelling, and language comprehension

APD can affect language processing, which can lead to difficulties with reading, spelling, and language comprehension.

6. Trouble with memory, attention, and concentration

People with APD may struggle with memory, attention, and concentration, making it difficult for them to follow directions or remember important information.

Early symptoms of APD can include:

7. Delayed language development

Children with APD may have delayed language development, including a delay in first words and a smaller vocabulary than their peers.

8. Difficulty following directions

Children with APD may have difficulty following directions, even simple ones, which can cause them to become frustrated or anxious.

9. Misunderstanding questions or directions

Children with APD may misinterpret questions or directions, leading to confusion and misunderstandings.

10. Difficulty with phonemic awareness

Phonemic awareness refers to the ability to recognise and manipulate individual sounds in words. Children with APD may struggle with this, which can make it difficult for them to learn to read and spell.

11. Difficulty with social interaction

APD can lead to difficulties with social interaction, as individuals may struggle to understand or participate in conversations leading to isolation or being an easy to bullying at school.

It is imperative to note that many of these symptoms can also be present in other conditions, for instance attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Therefore, it is important to seek an evaluation by a qualified professional to determine the underlying cause of these symptoms.

Tomatis® Method: A Multi-Sensory Approach to APD Remedy

The Tomatis® Method is a therapeutic intervention that is often used to help individuals with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). Developed by French ear, nose, and throat specialist Dr Alfred Tomatis in the 1950s, the method is based on the idea that the muscles in the middle ear play a crucial role in the processing and interpretation of sound.

Here are some ways in which the Tomatis Method can be helpful in therapeutic intervention to APD:

1. Sound Stimulation: The Tomatis® Method uses sound stimulation to help individuals with APD improve their ability to process and interpret sound. The method involves listening to specially filtered music that has been designed to stimulate the muscles in the middle ear. This can help individuals with APD improve their ability to perceive speech sounds and understand language.
2. Ear-Brain Connection: The Tomatis® Method also focuses on the connection between the ear and the brain. The method is based on the notion that the ear and the brain are intimately connected and that the muscles in the middle ear play a key role in the internalisation and interpretation of sound. By stimulating these muscles and allowing a better transmission of sound through bone and air conductions, the Tomatis® Method can help to improve the connection between the ear and the brain, leading to improvements in auditory processing.
3. Individualised Sessions: One of the key features of the Tomatis® Method is its individualised approach to APD remedy. Each individual with APD is unique, and the Tomatis® Method recognises this by tailoring therapy to the specific needs of each individual. Sessions are based on a comprehensive assessment of the individuals auditory processing abilities, as well as their overall health and well-being.
4. Multi-Sensory Approach: The Tomatis® Method also incorporates a multi-sensory approach to the process. In addition to sound stimulation, the method also includes exercises that help to improve body awareness and coordination, as well as visual and tactile stimulation. This can help to improve overall sensory processing and integration, leading to improvements in auditory processing.
5. Positive Outcomes: Studies have shown that the Tomatis® Method can be highly efficient in improving auditory processing and language skills in individuals with APD. A study that was published in the International Journal of Listening found that children with APD who received auditory stimulation such as the Tomatis® Method showed significant improvements in speech perception and language comprehension.
6. No Medication Required: Unlike some other methods for APD, the Tomatis® Method does not involve the use of medication. This can be a significant advantage for individuals who prefer a non-pharmacological approach.
7. Enjoyable Process: The Tomatis® Method is an enjoyable and non-invasive course that involves listening to classical music. Many individuals with APD find the sessions to be enjoyable and relaxing, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety as the ear is also connected to the vagus nerve which plays a part in increasing relaxation.

Francis’ Story Continues

Coming back to Francis’ story, disheartened by the growing difficulties for little Francis at the young age of 7, Helen and John turned to the Tomatis® Method, hoping that it would help their son.

The assessment done by the Tomatis® Method showed that Francis had imbalanced ears and auditory processing issues, which were contributing to his speech difficulties. The program is designed to help with exactly those kinds of issues. Helen and John thus signed Francis up for the first fourteen-day program, hoping for the best.

The first few days were tough. Francis was struggling to adjust to the new sounds and sensations. But slowly, he began to adapt, and things started to change. By the end of the program, Francis’s speech had improved significantly. His words were clearer, and he had gained a newfound confidence in his ability to communicate.

But the improvements didn’t stop there. Helen and John noticed a change in their son’s behaviour too. He was more confident and outgoing, and he seemed to be more at ease with himself. It was like a profound weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

Encouraged by the results, Helen and John decided to enrol Francis in a second program. And once again, the improvements were remarkable. Francis’s speech continued to improve, and his behaviour became even more confident and self-assured.

One of the most significant changes was Francis’s ability to auto-correct syntax errors. It was a clear sign that the Tomatis® Method was helping to create an efficient ear-brain-mouth loop. This was a crucial development, as it meant that Francis was starting to internalise the correct way to speak rather than simply repeating what he heard.

Helen and John were thrilled with the progress that their son had made. The newfound capabilities in communication also cemented the bond between John and Francis after so many years. The Tomatis® Method had given Francis the tools he needed to communicate in an articulate manner, and it had given him a renewed sense of confidence and self-assurance. It was clear that this was a game-changer for their family.

Looking back on their journey, Helen and John knew that it hadn’t been easy. But they also knew that it had been worth it. They had never given up on their son, and now, they were seeing the results of their perseverance. Francis was thriving, and they couldn’t be more proud.

Through the Tomatis® Method, Francis had found his voice. He had overcome his speech difficulties, and he was starting to take on the world with renewed confidence and self-assurance. He made some new friends and his teachers were impressed with his new academic performances. It was a powerful reminder that with the right support, anything is possible. And for Helen and John, that was the most important lesson of all.

If you or someone you love is struggling with auditory processing difficulties or speech issues, the Tomatis® Method may be able to help. Our unique approach uses sound stimulation to improve communication skills, and we offer a free 20-minute consultation (worth $125) with our expert Francoise Nicoloff to explore how we can assist you. Francoise Nicoloff has 45 years of experience in the field and has helped hundreds of children who have APD to lead normal life. To avail the offer, contact us at  info@tomatis.com.au or call 1300 233 572 and take a step towards a better quality of life.