DCSD Audiology Department
Auditory Processing Disorder • Overview
Defining Auditory Processing Disorder
What is Auditory Processing Disorder
What the brain does with what the ear hears
CLINICAL DEFINITION
APD is a deficit of neural processing of auditory stimuli not due to higher order language, cognitive or related factors.
STUDENT IMPACT
Classroom Manifestation
Students with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) face specific auditory comprehension challenges despite having normal hearing.
DCSD Audiology Department • Educational & Clinical Insights
Colorado APD Guidelines Reference Guide
Auditory Processing Deficits: Look Fors in Children & Youth
hearingObserved Challenges
Behaves as if hearing loss is present
Despite hearing levels testing within normal range
Frequently requests repetitions (says "huh?" or "what?" often)
Misunderstanding Spoken Language:
Gives delayed, inconsistent, or inappropriate responses in oral communication
Mishears words or confuses similar sounding words
Acts confused, distracted, or zoned out during listening activities
Difficulty localizing sound sources (e.g., on playground, near streets)
Misunderstands tone of voice, sarcasm, or vocal humor
schoolPossible School-Related Impacts
Poor Performance on Auditory Tasks
Challenges in listening comprehension, sound discrimination, phonology, or letter-sound associations.
Academic Difficulties
Associated struggles in reading development, spelling, and overall classroom learning.
Sustained Attention Fatigue
Difficulty attending to long lectures or extended periods of uninterrupted listening.
Following Instructions
Inability or frequent confusion when asked to follow multi-step verbal directions.
Rhythmic & Language Acquisition
Trouble learning simple songs, nursery rhymes, or acquiring a second language.
Socialization & Group Dynamics
Problems interacting socially in large groups, cafeterias, or noisy environments.
Colorado APD Resources Revised October 2024 Page 1 of 1
Epidemiology & Demographics
Prevalence of Auditory Processing Disorders in Children
3% – 5%
General Pediatric Population
Estimated overall prevalence of APD among school-aged children.
up to 50%
Clinical Special Populations
Prevalence increases significantly in children evaluated for learning disabilities, academic struggles, or language delays.
High Co-occurrence with Related Conditions
ADHD Overlap: Up to 50% of children diagnosed with APD also meet criteria for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, requiring careful differential diagnosis.
Dyslexia & Reading Disorders: Strong co-morbidity exists with phonological-based reading deficits, as auditory temporal processing is critical for phonemic awareness.
Language Impairments: Frequent overlap with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), impacting broad speech and comprehension development.
Diagnostic & Demographic Insights
Age of Assessment: Diagnostic testing is typically standardized for children aged 7 and older due to required neurodevelopmental maturity and test complexity.
Environmental Impact: Symptoms manifest most prominently in noisy, reverberant classroom settings, compounding academic challenges.
Colorado APD Reference Guide • Clinical Prevalence & Epidemiological Overview
Auditory Skill Development Framework
Hierarchy of Auditory Skills
04
4. Comprehension
The ability to understand and derive meaning from spoken language, answer questions, follow directions, and hold conversations.
03
3. Identification
The ability to label or point to specific sounds or words when heard, demonstrating association between sound and meaning.
02
2. Discrimination
The ability to determine whether two sounds, syllables, or words are the same or different (pitch, duration, loudness).
01
1. Awareness / Detection
The foundational ability to perceive the presence or absence of sound in the environment or speech.
Auditory Skill Hierarchy Framework • Foundational to Advanced Listening Progression
Auditory Skill Development Framework • Level 1
Auditory Awareness & Attention
hearing
01
Auditory Awareness Sound Detection
The foundational ability to perceive and detect the presence or absence of sound in the environment.
Mechanism: Presence vs. Absence Sensing • Indicators: Head-turn to sudden sounds, acknowledging sound onset/offset
Auditory Skill Hierarchy Framework • Level 1: Auditory Awareness & Attention Components
explore
02
Sound Localization Spatial Audio Tracking
The ability to determine and locate the physical direction and source of a sound in space.
Mechanism: Binaural Processing • Indicators: Orienting toward speaker, tracking moving sources in 3D space
filter_center_focus
03
Auditory Attention Figure-Ground Focus
The ability to attend to important auditory information in the midst of competing background noise.
Mechanism: Selective Signal Separation • Indicators: Sustained listening in noise, suppressing distractions
Auditory Skill Development Framework • Level 2
Auditory Discrimination
Auditory Skill Hierarchy Framework • Level 2: Auditory Discrimination Components
volume_up
01
Environmental Sounds Non-Speech Auditory
The ability to detect differences between sounds in the environment.
Mechanism: Environmental Acoustic Analysis • Indicators: Distinguishing ambient vs. foreground sounds
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02
Suprasegmentals Prosody & Vocal Patterns
The ability to detect differences in non-phoneme aspects of speech including rate, intensity, duration, pitch, and prosody.
Mechanism: Prosodic Feature Analysis • Indicators: Recognizing emotional tone and statement vs. question inflection
record_voice_over
03
Segmentals Speech Sounds & Phonemes
The ability to detect differences between specific speech sounds.
Mechanism: Phonemic Differentiation • Indicators: Distinguishing minimal pairs (e.g., /ba/ vs. /da/) and target vowels
Auditory Skill Development Framework • Level 3
Auditory Identification
psychology
01
Auditory Association Sound & Meaning Connection
The ability to attach meaning to sounds and speech.
Mechanism: Semantic Auditory Mapping • Indicators: Linking spoken words to objects & sound symbols
record_voice_over
02
Auditory Feedback Self-Monitoring & Speech Control
The ability to change speech production based on hearing yourself speak.
Mechanism: Acoustic Loop Regulation • Indicators: Volume and pitch self-correction, speech clarity
Auditory Skill Hierarchy Framework • Level 3: Auditory Identification Components
analytics
03
Auditory Analysis Phonological Awareness
The ability to identify, blend, segment, and manipulate oral language structure.
Mechanism: Structural Language Processing • Indicators: Blending and segmenting phonemes, manipulating sound patterns
Auditory Skill Development Framework • Level 4
Auditory Comprehension
forum
01
Auditory Comprehension Message Understanding
The ability to understand longer auditory messages, continuous spoken narrative, and multi-step directions.
Mechanism: Holistic Discourse Processing • Indicators: Following multi-step directions & story comprehension
extension
02
Auditory Closure Filling Missing Information
The ability to make sense of auditory messages when a piece of information is missing or fragmented.
Mechanism: Contextual Signal Synthesis • Indicators: Speech in noise & repairing muffled audio signals
memory
03
Auditory Memory Information Retention
The ability to retain auditory information both immediately and after a delay.
Mechanism: Acoustic Trace Storage • Indicators: Recalling multi-step verbal instructions & story details
Auditory Skill Hierarchy Framework • Level 4: Auditory Comprehension Components
translate
04
Linguistic Auditory Processing Language Manipulation
The ability to interpret, retain, organize, and manipulate spoken language for higher level learning.
Mechanism: Cognitive-Linguistic Control • Indicators: Understanding figurative language & drawing inferences
DCSD Bond Investments in Classroom Technology
Enhancing Auditory Accessibility & Learning Environments with Lightspeed Audio Systems
Bond-Funded Improvements
Thanks to voter support for the DCSD Bond, schools across the district have been equipped with state-of-the-art Lightspeed Instructional Audio Systems.
Key Impact Areas:
• Clear Audio Distribution: Evenly distributes the teacher's natural voice throughout the entire classroom.
• Reduced Auditory Fatigue: Helps all students, including those with APD or hearing difficulties, process instruction effortlessly.
• Overcoming Ambient Noise: Bypasses classroom background noise and HVAC interference without requiring the teacher to strain their voice.
See the Technology in Action
Discover how Lightspeed audio solutions transform classroom engagement and ensure every student hears every word clear and crisp.
Watch Video Demonstration:
Classroom System Lightspeed Technologies
LightSpeed Systems Explained (for Teachers)
Douglas County School District • Student Support Services
Integrated Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
Tier 1 & Tier 2: RtI
Response to Intervention (General Education)
Universal Screening & High-Quality Instruction
All students receive standards-based Tier 1 instruction with ongoing progress monitoring to identify needs early.
Targeted Small-Group Interventions (Tier 2)
Students needing extra support receive supplemental, evidence-based group instruction tailored to specific skill deficits.
Data-Based Decision Making
Problem-solving teams analyze student performance data regularly to adjust intervention intensity and frequency.
General Education Framework
RtI serves as a proactive, non-special education framework designed to prevent academic and behavioral failure.
Section 504 Accommodation Plan
Equal Access & Civil Rights Protection
Broad Legal Eligibility Criteria
Protects students with a documented physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
Equal Educational Access
Focuses on removing environmental and instructional barriers rather than modifying learning standards or curriculum content.
Customized Accommodations
Includes preferential seating, extended testing time, assistive listening devices, and sensory/movement breaks.
General Education Oversight
Managed within general education with annual reviews to ensure full access to school environments and programs.
Special Education: IEP
Individualized Education Program (IDEA)
Specialized Instruction & Goals
Provides individualized, specialized instruction designed to meet unique learning needs with measurable annual goals.
Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Evaluation
Requires formal evaluation by a multidisciplinary team to establish eligibility under IDEA qualifying categories.
Related Services & Supports
Includes Speech-Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Audiology, Physical Therapy, and specialized transportation.
Modifications & Accommodations
Offers modified curriculum expectations alongside classroom accommodations to ensure meaningful educational benefit.
Key Support System Takeaway:
Douglas County School District utilizes an integrated multi-tiered continuum—seamlessly connecting RtI early intervention, Section 504 structural accommodations, and IEP specialized instruction to ensure every student receives the exact level of support needed to thrive.
Douglas County School District • Audiology Department
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD): Parent Resources & Support
National Organizations
Expert Information & Advocacy
ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Assoc.)
www.asha.org
Comprehensive guides on APD diagnosis, symptoms, and evidence-based treatment strategies.
Understood.org
www.understood.org
Practical parenting advice, classroom accommodation checklists, and simulation tools for learning differences.
LDAA (Learning Disabilities Assoc. of America)
www.ldaamerica.org
Advocacy resources, legal rights under IDEA/504, and support networks for families.
AAA (American Academy of Audiology)
www.audiology.org
Audiologist locator tools and clinical research updates on central auditory processing.
Home Strategies
Optimizing the Listening Environment
Reduce Background Noise
Turn off TVs and soft music during homework; use rugs and curtains to minimize room echo.
Face-to-Face Communication
Gain eye contact before giving multi-step directions; speak at a normal rate with clear pauses.
Visual & Written Supports
Pair spoken instructions with checklists, visual schedules, or written chore lists.
Chunk Information
Break complex tasks into single, sequential steps to avoid auditory memory overload
Listening activities to strengthen listening skills
School Collaboration
Partnering with Your School Team
Preferential Seating
Seating near the teacher and away from noise sources like HVAC units or doors.
Assistive Listening Technology
Explore remote microphone (HAT) systems that beam the teacher's voice directly to ear receivers. Use of HAT requires a Functional Listening Evaluation by the audiologist to determine need and how use of a system impacts a student’s auditory access and comprehension.
Classroom Accommodations
Written outlines, extended test time, closed captioning, and quiet study areas.
Multidisciplinary Team
Coordinate care with the Educational Audiologist, SLP, Psychologist, and Teachers.
Recommended Reading
Books & Guides for Parents
"Like Sound Through Water"
By Karen Foli • A mother's journey navigating APD diagnosis, school advocacy, and family life.
"When the Brain Can't Hear"
By Dr. Teri James Bellis • Unraveling the mystery of Auditory Processing Disorder.
"The Mismatch"
By Dr. Denise Yates • Understanding auditory processing challenges in young children.
CDE APD Guidelines
cde.state.co.us
Colorado Dept. of Education state framework and technical guidance for APD.
Key Parent Takeaway:
APD is a deficit in how the brain interprets sound, not a hearing loss. With environmental modifications, targeted interventions, and school collaboration, students with APD thrive academically and socially.
Douglas County School District • Audiology Department
2026–2027 Audiologists & School Coverage
Lorrie Baptiste, Au.D
lorrie.baptiste@dcsdk12.org
303-681-1606 • Fax: 303-387-0830
Highlands Ranch
Elementary
Bear Canyon Elementary
Copper Mesa Elementary
Coyote Creek Elementary
Golden Ridge Elementary
Mountain Peak Elementary
Roxborough Primary
Roxborough Intermediate
Sand Creek Elementary
Stone Mountain Elementary
Trailblazer Elementary
Middle School
Mountain Ridge Middle
Ranch View Middle
High School
Mountain Vista High
Thunder Ridge High
Charter & Special
Ben Franklin Academy
Plum Creek Academy
STEM School & Academy
Sky View Academy Charter
Alison Eloriaga, Au.D
alison.eloriaga@dcsdk12.org
720-202-3333 • Fax: 303-387-0830
Highlands Ranch / Parker
Elementary
Arrowwood Elementary
Cougar Run Elementary
Mammoth Heights Elem.
Northridge Elementary
Pine Lane Elem. North
Pine Lane Elem. South
Middle School
Cresthill Middle School
Sierra Middle School
High School
Chaparral High School
Charter & Special
Parker Performing Arts
Platte River Academy
Cara Fiske, Au.D
cara.fiske@dcsdk12.org
720-660-1982 • Fax: 720-433-0021
Castle Rock
Elementary
Castle Rock Elementary
Clear Sky Elementary
Flagstone Elementary
Larkspur Elementary
Meadow View Elementary
Rock Ridge Elementary
Sage Canyon Elementary
Soaring Hawk Elementary
South Ridge Elementary
Sedalia Elementary
Middle School
Castle Rock Middle
Mesa Middle School
High School
Castle View High School
Douglas County High
Charter & Special
Academy Charter School
Aspen View Academy
Renaissance Magnet
Renaissance Secondary
World Compass Academy
Jodi Heimer, Au.D
jodi.heimer@dcsdk12.org
303-325-1421 • Fax: 303-387-0830
Highlands Ranch
Elementary
Buffalo Ridge Elementary
Redstone Elementary
Timber Trail Elementary
Wildcat Mountain Elem.
Middle School
Rocky Heights Middle
High School
Highlands Ranch High
Rock Canyon High
Charter & Special
American Acad.-Castle Pines
DC Montessori Charter
Eagle Academy
Bridge - Lone Tree
Bridge - Project Search
DC Support
e-DCSD
Jodi Little, Au.D
jodi.little@dcsdk12.org
303-681-8652 • Fax: 720-433-0021
Parker
Elementary
Frontier Valley Elementary
Gold Rush Elementary
Iron Horse Elementary
Pioneer Elementary
Middle School
Cimarron Middle School
High School
Legend High School
Charter & Special
Parker Core Knowledge
Vale High School
Bridge - Legacy
Bridge - Parker
Cloverleaf Home Ed. Hope
Cloverleaf Home Ed. Grace
Hope Online
Lois Look, M.A.
lois.look@dcsdk12.org
720-660-3872 • Fax: 720-433-0021
Parker / Castle Rock
Elementary
Cherry Valley Elementary
Cherokee Trail Elementary
Eagle Ridge Elementary
Franktown Elementary
Legacy Point Elementary
Mountain View Primary
Northeast Intermediate
Pine Grove Elementary
Prairie Crossing Elementary
Silver Spruce Elementary
Middle School
Sagewood Middle School
High School
Ponderosa High School
Charter & Special
Amer. Acad.-Lincoln Meadows
Amer. Acad.-Motsenbocker
Challenge to Excellence
Global Village Academy
Lone Tree Elementary
Leman Acad. of Excellence
North Star Academy Charter
Bridge - Park Meadows
Daniel C. Oakes High
ECC Preschools