Auditory processing disorder

APD, King-Kopetzky syndrome, auditory disability with normal hearing (ADN)

What is auditory processing disorder?

Auditory processing disorder is a condition in which a person has difficulties understanding sounds, including speech. While people with auditory processing disorder have problems with sound comprehension, they usually still have normal hearing.

What causes auditory processing disorder?

It is unclear what exactly causes auditory processing disorder. For the majority of cases it starts in childhood but some people do develop it later in life.

Some of the possible causes include:

  • Frequent ear infections
  • A faulty gene
  • A head injury
  • Complications at birth

What are the symptoms of auditory processing disorder?

Those with auditory processing disorder may find it hard to understand:

  • People speaking in noisy places
  • People with strong accents
  • Fast talkers
  • Words that sound similar
    Spoken instructions

Are you affected by auditory processing disorder?

If you’re affected by auditory processing disorder, The Brain Charity can support you.

We are the only charity in the UK to be here for every one of the more than 600 different neurological conditions in existence. Individually, many are rare, but combined, they affect 1 in 6 people.

We provide practical help on all aspects of living with syringomyelia, emotional support such as counselling, phone befriending and group therapy and social activities to people with auditory processing disorder and their family, friends and carers from all over the UK from our centre in Liverpool.

Looking to talk to someone?

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Phone us

Contact The Brain Charity now

Our friendly Information & Advice Officers are here to help. We endeavour to respond to all enquiries within 10 working days.

0151 298 2999

Looking to talk to someone?

  • Please tell us which neurological condition you are affected by and what you need support with.

Caring for someone with auditory processing disorder

We support carers, friends and family too

Are you a carer for or relative of someone with auditory processing disorder? It’s just as important for you to look after your own physical and mental wellbeing too.

The Brain Charity provides free support for carers, friends and family of people with any form of neurological condition, including auditory processing disorder, from anywhere in the UK.

We also run an additional carers advocacy service for all carers in Liverpool, regardless of which type of condition the person they care for has.

You don’t need to be a formal or registered carer

We can help you even if you don’t view yourself as a formal carer or claim Carer’s Allowance. Find out some of the ways we support carers below.

Carer support from The Brain Charity in Liverpool Practical help

Support for carers

All The Brain Charity's services are free for carers and family members of people with neurological conditions too.
Get help
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SPOTLIGHT ON: Support for Auditory processing disorder

APD is an incurable neurological condition affecting the way the brain processes sounds.
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Other resources

The Brain Charity's library

The Brain Charity’s library has a range of resources on many neurological conditions

Visit our library or search the catalogue online here.

Support groups

APD Support for UK Parents

A Facebook group that provides the opportunity for parents of children with the condition to discuss the diagnosis, education, legislation and also offers parental support.

Website: facebook.com/groups/APDSUPPORTUK/

APD Support for UK Adults

A Facebook group that allows those with auditory processing disorder to communicate by sharing their concerns and strategies that help them to cope.

Website: facebook.com/groups/APDSupportforUKAdults

Support groups at The Brain Charity

Are you interested in setting up an auditory processing disorder support group, or do you already run one? Email activities@thebraincharity.org.uk to let us know.

Alternatively, you can check out our list of related support groups here.

Other charities

APD Support UK

A charity that provides information on the condition with the aim of improving recognition and diagnosis. They also have a range of Facebook groups that support those with APD and their families and carers.

Website: apdsupportuk.yolasite.com

Email: adp.support.uk@aol.co.uk