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Frequently Asked Questions What is Central Auditory Processing? What is Central Auditory Processing? Central Auditory Processing is what the brain does with what the ears hear. It involves accurately processing, interpreting and acting upon the information collected by our ears in a timely manner. How common is it? A conservative estimate is that 5% of the general population experience CAPD. Because CAPD may also be present in a secondary form in learning disorders, attention deficit disorders, dyslexia, specific language impairment. Research indicates that CAPD is more prevalent in boys than girls. A Central Auditory Processing Disorder assessment needs to be conducted by a suitably qualified Audiologist. The assessment takes one to one and a half hours to complete and includes a thorough audiological evaluation. Traditional hearing tests alone do not rule out the possibility of CAPD. Testing is best conducted on children 6 years or older. The results from this test as well as information from school and speech-language assessments where appropriate are best considered together in order to develop a customised programme to suit the individual. An intensive computer programme, Fast ForWord, developed by Scientific Learning in the United States, is now available in Perth. Fast ForWord is a unique programme that works directly on central auditory processing skills by initially slowing down and stretching out the speech sounds to allow more time to accurately process what has been said. The programme then gradually increases the rate through graded levels to until a normal conversational rate of speech is reached. The programme self- adjusts according to the progress of the individual and daily progress reports can be downloaded from the internet. A Website is accessible for more information – www.scientificlearning.com Scientific Learning recommend that the programme be undertaken over 4 weeks – approximately 20 x 2 hour sessions are generally required. Costs of the programme involve:
Results of the programme have been very pleasing, with research indicating improvement in auditory processing skills of 18 months to 2 years. Significant improvement in academic skills such as reading and writing has often been reported. Adult and adolescent versions are also available. Comments received from parents of children who have completed the programme have included: “I must admit I was sceptical but was amazed at the improvements he has made – he is now suddenly able to write eloquent prose where as he had struggled to write more than simple sentences before” (parent of high school student) and from the parent of a primary school student “He is saying – ‘I can do this’ now and is actually doing his homework largely by himself. The improvement in his reading skills has been amazing and in such a short time”. Fast ForWord is available through Western Hearing Services at Western Hearing Services Claremont Telephone enquiries are welcomed on 1800 622 121 . You are encouraged to make a time to come and view the programme. A less expensive alternative called Earobics developed by Cognitive Concepts is also offered through Western Hearing Services. A home version of this computerised programme can be purchased or sessions can be arranged at the Claremont Clinic. More information on this programme is available on the following website – www.cogcon.com
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