APD (AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDER) TREATMENT

An auditory processing disorder (APD) is an information input problem. A child with an auditory processing problem generally has normal hearing sensitivity but has difficulty with the reception and interpretation of auditory information. Although some symptoms of an APD are similar to a hearing loss and/or an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), an auditory processing disorder is a distinctly different problem. The child with an auditory processing disorder has difficulty making sense out of what he/she hears. Although the sounds are loud enough, the child has difficulty understanding the message, therefore often acting like someone with a hearing loss or attention problem.

THERAPEUTIC LISTENING PROGRAM

The therapeutic listening program uses sound stimulation in combination with sensory integrative techniques including vestibular, postural, and movement strategies. The program is highly structured and involves listening to specifically modulated and filtered music on CDs or tapes through headphones. This is done in the clinical setting, at home, and/or at school, and may be done while the child is otherwise engaged in activities.

INTERACTIVE METRONOME

Interactive Metronome, or IM, combines the concept of a musical metronome with a program that accurately measures, assesses, and improves a person’s rhythm and timing, through the use of computer technology. The program teaches the brain to plan, sequence, and process information more effectively through the repetition of interactive exercises. This is a highly structured program that requires one hour treatment sessions 3-5 days per week for a minimum of 15 sessions.

BECKMAN ORAL MOTOR TREATMENT

The Beckman program applies oral motor treatment strategies that provide assisted movement to activate muscle contraction and movement against resistance to build strength. The focus of this treatment strategy is to increase the functional response to pressure and movement, range, strength, variety, and control of movement for the lips, cheeks, jaw and tongue.

AUGMENTATIVE COMMUNICATION

Augmentative communication is a term referring to assistive devices used to enhance an individual’s communicative abilities. Therapists (primarily speech and occupational therapists) evaluate children on an individual basis and work with parents, teachers, and providers to determine the optimal equipment to meet that child’s needs.

HOME PROGRAMMING

All therapists strive to put an emphasis on home programming for all children and/or families. Home programming consists of a specified curriculum of activities to be performed on a regular and continual basis at home by children and their caregivers. These activities may address a number of components including, but not limited to, balance, strength, endurance, range of motion, positioning, posture, activities of daily living, and oral-motor strategies. Home programming activities are updated on an ongoing basis as appropriate.