Auditory Processing Disorders

Teenagers & Adults

Common difficulties:

• Talks louder than necessary
• Has trouble remembering a list or sequence
• Often needs words or sentences repeated
• Poor ability to memorize information learned by listening
• Interprets words too literally
• Hearing clearly in noisy environments.

Accommodation & modification strategies:

• Find or request a quiet work space away from others.
• Request written material when you attend oral presentations.
• Ask for directions to be given one at a time, as you go through each step.
• Take notes or use a tape recorder when getting any new information, even little things.

Source: National Center for Learning Disabilities online at http://www.ld.org/LDInfoZone/InfoZone_FactSheet_AuditoryPD.cfm

Visual Processing Disorders

Teenagers & Adults

Common difficulties:

• Accurately identifying information from pictures, charts, graphs, maps, etc.
• Organizing information from different sources into one cohesive document
• Finding specific information on a printed page (example: getting a number out of the phone book)
• Remembering directions to a location

Accommodation & modification strategies:

• Color code important information.
• Have a proof-reading buddy for all written materials.
• Use a tape recorder when getting important information.
• Before writing letters or essays, create an outline to simplify and organize ideas.

Source: National Center for Learning Disabilities online at http://ncld.org/LDInfoZone/InfoZone_FactSheet_VisualPD.cfm