Dalena van der Westhuizen addresses concerns about learning and cognitive development. This article offers specific advice for homeschooling parents whose children experience auditory processing issues, providing practical strategies to make learning easier and suggesting ways like cognitive skills training to help overcome these challenges.
The Question:
My child has auditory processing issues. What’s the best way of explaining work to him, or how else can I make learning easier for him? – Tracy, Pretoria
Dalena’s Answer:
Hi Tracy,
Auditory processing involves how the brain identifies, analyses, and gives meaning to incoming sounds – it’s about processing, not just hearing. It is a key cognitive skill for reading and spelling. My work with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) shows it also affects attention and focus during listening or reading. Managing Auditory Processing Disorder at home requires specific approaches.
Here’s what you can do for learning support:
- Simplify and Check: Your son likely has difficulty understanding and recalling information he hears. Keep explanations brief. Regularly check his understanding. Ask him to repeat instructions or concepts in his own words.
- Allow Extra Time: Children with APD often need more time to process questions and form responses. Patience is important. Provide that extra thinking time without pressure.
- Manage Fatigue: Listening is mentally demanding for individuals with APD, leading to quicker fatigue. Keep learning sessions short with frequent breaks. Schedule challenging tasks for times when he is most alert, often earlier in the day.
- Consider Cognitive Skills Training: Research indicates that cognitive weaknesses like auditory processing issues can be identified and strengthened. Targeted cognitive skills training can help restructure brain pathways, improving auditory processing abilities.
Extra Information:
Homeschooling provides a unique advantage for children with APD as you can control the learning environment. Reducing background noise is very helpful, as distractions can make processing speech much harder. Resources like Nemours KidsHealth offer practical strategies for home and learning adjustments. Remember, APD affects about 5% of school-aged children. If you suspect APD, a formal diagnosis by an audiologist is recommended; the American Academy of Audiology provides good information on this process. South African parents can also seek support from organisations like the Educational Psychology Association of South Africa (EPASSA) or the Society for Educational Psychology of South Africa (SEPSA) for guidance.
Conclusion:
Supporting a child with auditory processing issues involves understanding their specific challenges and adapting your approach. Implementing these strategies can make a significant difference in their learning journey. Consider cognitive skills training as a proactive step towards strengthening auditory processing abilities.
Call to Action:
Do you have experience homeschooling a child with APD? Share your tips or questions in the comments below! If you found this helpful, please share it with other parents.
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