The Relationship Between ADHD and APD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) are two conditions with considerable overlap, and that overlap tends to foster confusion. In this article, we will explain the overlap of the two conditions and discuss treatment options.

First, we need to explain the complexity of speech processing, for all individuals:

• Speech processing is a cognitively demanding task, requiring focus and a significant amount of brainpower. We tend to forget this because we are processing speech all day every day, but the complexity is real.
• The brain must very rapidly and accurately analyze and differentiate between similar speech sounds (phonemes), combine them into meaningful words, and hold those words in short-term memory to understand the context of sentences and conversations.
• This is made even harder by the subtle differences between many similar speech sounds, which the brain must accurately discern to avoid misinterpretations.
• Take a moment and say out loud the following speech sounds: "s" … "sh"... “th”...”f”...”ch”... Very similar, right?
• Now say  "p" … "b" … “d” … “g”... Again, very similar right?
• You can likely hear the difference, but think about how much more difficult that becomes when speech sounds are coming at you at the rate of several per second.
  

ADHD and its Impact on Auditory Processing:

• People with ADHD often experience heightened levels of both internal and external distractions.  
• These distractions consume cognitive resources, leaving fewer available for the very complex task of speech processing.
• This can result in difficulties that resemble APD, such as trouble understanding speech in noisy environments, following multi-step instructions, or retaining information presented verbally.  
• In that sense, while APD and ADHD can be independent conditions, they often co-occur and exacerbate each other. 
  

The Computer Analogy:

• We can use an analogy to illustrate how distractions affect the brain’s ability to process speech., Dr. Tom uses the analogy of a computer running multiple programs simultaneously.
• Just as a computer slows down when overloaded, perhaps too many browser tabs open or downloading too many things at once, the brain's processing capacity is reduced when it's constantly switching between tasks, what it’s focusing on and dealing with distractions. 
• This can lead to a decrease in working memory, which is essential for holding and manipulating information, including auditory information.
  

Auditory Training as a Solution:

• Fortunately, auditory training or auditory therapy is a very useful too for improving auditory processing skills whether someone solely has APD or a combination of APD and ADHD
• The protocols, performed with one of our audiologists, can benefit individuals by helping them to better focus on and process auditory information.
• Most cases can be done utilizing telehealth, rather than requiring patients to make it into one of our offices.
• Published, peer-reviewed research and our own “in-house” data show significant gains with auditory therapy/training.

If you or one of your family members struggles to understand speech in difficult listening situations, forgets what they have heard, or is slow to process what they are hearing, an auditory processing evaluation is the first step.  Call or email our office today to set up an appointment.