Is it an Auditory Processing Issue?

At one point in time, it was generally thought that dyslexia was primarily a visual issue, but new research indicates that dyslexia also has an auditory component as well.  Just like a student can see the word “saw” as “was”, the student can also hear it in the same way.  This makes learning and communication tough!

If your child has dyslexia with an auditory component, then it is difficult for him/her to maneuver through not only a classroom, but through life.  We are dependent on auditory processing skills for even the most basic relationships.  That is why temper problems often accompany a student with auditory processing problems.  It is so frustrating to communicate when you can’t process the information correctly!

There is a lot that can be done to help a student with auditory processing problems.  Following are a few tips that you can do with your child or student to help this problem.

* Limit oral directions to one at a time.  Telling your student to do more than one or two things at once can be confusing.

* Play the “animal” game.  You start by naming an animal that starts with the letter a.  Then your child or student is to name your animal and then an animal that starts with the next letter, b.  Next, you name both animals already named and then an animal that starts with the letter c.  The student continues, naming all animals named so far plus the next letter in the alphabet.  Continue as far as you can and the next time you play, try to go for longer stretches until the entire alphabet is used up.  (finding an “n” animal is difficult!)

* I love the game Simon for students with auditory issues.  They get a sound sequence as well as a visual sequence. You can get a pocket version cheaply and work with auditory memory skills.

* Make sure that your child can hear and process differences in words.  Work on tongue position, mouth position, and correct enunciation.  Letting poor speech habits set in only makes it more difficult for the student to have normal social skills and communicate effectively.

* The actual hearing is processed in the brain.  We take in sound with our ears.  Analogies, following oral directions, and rhyming games are all good for helping a student with auditory processing problems.

Happy hearing,

Lisa