How do ADHD and Auditory Processing Disorder relate to one other?
It's critical to comprehend any potential connections between APD and ADHD if you or your child have received a diagnosis of either of these disorders.
We'll go over the symptoms, treatment options, and commonalities between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and auditory processing disorder (APD).
What is a Disorder of Auditory Processing?
APD is not the same as hearing loss. One of the hallmarks of auditory processing disorder, or APD, is trouble understanding speech. These people are fine hearing sounds but need help deciphering and comprehending spoken words. It is not a hearing impairment but a neurological disorder that alters how the brain interprets sound. This can make it harder to follow instructions, distinguish between sounds, and understand speech—especially in busy settings.
APD can affect people of any age, but it is typically identified in younger patients.
A typical indication of an auditory processing issue is trouble following instructions, having trouble listening, having trouble focusing, and having trouble remembering information.
ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
The behavioural issue known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) impacts millions of children, adolescents, and adults. Impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention are problems for those with ADHD.
It is challenging for people with ADHD to plan and organise, pay attention, remember specifics, begin and finish projects, manage time, finish paperwork, and keep their word. Of course, each person will face different difficulties, and each person's problems will differ in intensity.
How do ADHD and Auditory Processing Disorder relate to one other?
Some symptoms of both Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) are similar, including trouble focusing, following instructions, and maintaining organisation. Naturally, a lot of conditions have similar symptoms but are not connected.
Nonetheless, studies suggest that there is a correlation, if not a direct relationship, between APD and ADHD. Compared to children without ADHD, children with ADHD are more likely to display APD symptoms. According to a 2017 study, kids with ADHD performed worse on auditory processing tests than kids with neurotypical development.
When faced with distracting situations, such as a crowded place where many people are chatting, people with ADHD may find it difficult to interpret sounds and may even have trouble telling one sound from another.
Additionally, they could experience sensory overload from things like touch, loud noises, or even intense flavours due to problems with sensory processing. Therefore, just like those with APD, many people with ADHD also have trouble in noisy surroundings. Click here to learn more about ADHD & auditory processing disorder.
