Ep. 49: Understanding Auditory Processing Disorder with Dr. Bea Braun

The umbrella of auditory processing disorders is very broad and many signs might overlap with other types of learning differences. This can make things very confusing, especially for parents who are looking for answers. That is why I have asked my go-to expert on the topic, clinical audiologist Dr. Bea Braun to join us on Diverse Thinking Different Learning. Her years of experience, thorough testing techniques, and intervention strategies make her the perfect guest for today’s conversation on auditory processing disorders.   In today’s episode, Dr. Braun explains different subtypes of auditory processing disorders, what they look like, and what testing entails. Sometimes, auditory processing disorders can look like a child with difficulty following multi-step directions, misunderstanding information, challenges in understanding in a noisy environment, or mishearing words. She helps us to understand that auditory processing isn’t just about hearing and can impact academics and day-to-day life for children if it goes unaddressed. Listen on to find out more about what to do if you suspect an auditory processing issue in your own child and what to expect with testing and intervention.   Show Notes: [2:00] - Welcome to the podcast, Dr. Braun! [3:19] - Auditory processing is what happens when sounds leave the ears and are processed as language. There are many types of processing. [4:46] - The most common concern from parents is difficulty following multi-step directions, retelling information, and being unable to understand in noisy environments. [6:27] - Some children will also have difficulty with picking up on tone of voice. [7:31] - A lot of auditory processing signs overlap with those of ADHD. [9:33] - Dr. Braun explains that central auditory processing and auditory processing are essentially the same thing. [11:08] - Dr. Wilson does not diagnose auditory processing disorders and refers children to audiologists for further testing in some cases. [12:35] - Dr. Braun describes auditory processing tests and what they tell her. [15:34] - This testing takes an hour and a half to two hours and is very thorough. [17:09] - There are many things that can be done to improve. Dr. Braun shares how there are at-home programs that are very exciting. [19:15] - Intervention for auditory processing took a long time to become more available to children. [20:46] - Collaboration is very important for proper intervention. [22:18] - Other types of specialists, like speech and language pathologists, can work with audiologists to help address different areas of struggle. [25:04] - Depending on the subtype of auditory processing disorder, there are different supports that can be implemented in the classroom. [26:27] - Repeating and not rephrasing is important. [27:55] - Multiple modality cues are also very helpful for students in the classroom. [28:37] - There is also hearing assistive technology available. Dr. Braun explains her approach with this type of support. [30:30] - Many school districts are facilitating training in schools now as well. [31:42] - If you start with interventions when children are very young, the progress is very fast. [33:50] - However, starting training later in life can also make a huge difference. Understanding their differences is very empowering for students.   About Our Guest: Dr. Bea Braun, is a clinical audiologist and a credentialed educational audiologist with 23 years of experience completing central auditory processing evaluations. Dr. Braun has completed over 12,000 comprehensive central auditory processing evaluations. She is an expert in the area of central auditory processing and specializes in testing children as young as age 5 as well as adults, including individuals diagnosed with ASD, ADHD, traumatic brain injury, and those identified as twice-exceptional. Dr. Braun has her own private practice in Woodland Hills and Santa Barbara and has worked with over 80 school districts in southern and central California. She is also an adjunct professor at California State University, Los Angeles.   Connect with Dr. Bea Braun: Phone: 626-793-8711 Auditory Processing Center Website   Links and Related Resources: Auditory Processing Disorders in Children: More Than Meets the Ear ALPS Children: A Steep Climb - But Well Worth It! Episode 1: Uncovering Why a Child is Struggling   Join our email list so that you can receive information about upcoming webinars - ChildNEXUS.com The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.