Management of CAPD

A comprehensive management approach is necessary when dealing with a child experiencing an auditory processing disorder or difference, as preferred by many. Current theory believes the best method of managing a child’s listening difficulties involves a combination of direct intervention, compensatory strategies and environmental modifications/accommodations.

Direct intervention, or remediation, is usually provided by a speech-language pathologist or audiologist with expertise in this area. This intervention focuses on specific deficits (such as, difficulty remembering multi-step directions) and teaches compensatory strategies to be used in the classroom.

Compensatory strategies are essentially coping skills and repair strategies so the child can best learn auditorally presented information. Lastly, environmental modifications/accommodations (such as, the child studying in a quiet area away from background noise) both at school and home should be implemented in order to enhance the child’s weak listening abilities and improve the listening environment.

The preceding information is a very general overview of an appropriate management program for a child with an auditory processing problem. For further information, please contact our office and we would be happy to refer you to other professionals in the Bloomington-Normal area who provide direct intervention. Following are lists of compensatory strategies for school and home use which have been borrowed from the Audiology Desk Reference, Volume 1, by Drs. Gus Mueller and James Hall. These strategies should not be used “generically” for all children, but, instead selected according to each child’s specific needs.

Suggestions for Parents
Suggestions for Teachers