 A child with auditory processing problems seems to hear inconsistently. If your child seems to hear some things, but not others, do not assume he or she is purposely ignoring you.
You will have greater success in communicating with your child if there are no other activities (other children or adults laughing or talking, television or radio playing, dishwasher or vacuum cleaner running, etc.) competing with you.
During homework provide a quiet place, ear muffs, turn TV and/or radio off, and limit visual distractions. Have daily routines. Your child will perform better if s/he knows what to expect.
During communication learn to control your child's environment by providing a quiet setting. Take the child to a quiet room, shut off the TV, ask others to be quiet for a moment, etc.
Delay important conversation until a quiet time can be found. Make a point of finding "quiet conversation periods" on a regular basis during the course of each day.
Simplify your language level if your child does not seem to understand. If you have to repeat something for your child, try saying it in a different way (different words, different type sentences).
Try slowing down your rate of speech if your child continues to have trouble understanding. One way to accomplish this is to pause between utterances, especially after your child has finished talking and before you respond.
Do not try to have discussions when you and your child are in separate rooms.
When conversing, allow the child adequate time to respond.
Your child may need time to rest and recuperate after school. Allow time for relaxation before asking him or her to do chores, homework, and so on.
Read aloud to your child and discuss what you have read.
Move on to areas of new learning gradually so that your child knows what is expected of him or her and what is coming next. Review the areas that your child knows.
Multi-step directions should be given one part at a time with a slight pause (long enough for the adult to mentally repeat each part back) in between the parts to allow your child time to receive the message and comprehend each part.
Visual tasks may be your child’s strongest ability and visual cues should be used whenever possible to supplement auditory understanding. For example, you may write important chores or instructions on a blackboard.
Praise any accomplishment (academic or otherwise) that represents even small improvements over previous levels. It is not helpful to compare his or her performance to other children. In disciplining your child, be sure to indicate what specific behavior is being punished and why.
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