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Auditory processing disorder (APD) makes it hard for students to process and make meaning of sounds. That can make it hard to learn—from focusing on what a teacher says to learning how to read.

Here are some examples of accommodations teachers can use to help with auditory processing disorder in the classroom.

Classroom Seating, Materials, and Routines

• Provide a quiet area for independent work.
• Let the student sit near the teacher and away from auditory distractions, like doors and windows.
• Check in frequently to make sure the student understands the work.
• Provide an assistive listening device to make it easier to distinguish the teacher’s voice.
• Give extra time for testing.

Giving Instructions and Assignments

• Give step-by-step instructions, and have the student repeat them.
• Use attention-getting phrases like “This is important to know because….”
• Decide with the student on a nonverbal signal to show that a key point is being made.
• Say directions, assignments, and schedules out loud, and rephrase as needed.
• Repeat key information throughout the lesson, and rephrase as needed.
• Use visual tools, images, and gestures to enhance and support spoken lessons.
• Break down test or classwork instructions into short, written steps.
• Highlight key words and ideas on worksheets.
• Give written homework instructions.
• Provide a list of homework assignments for the week (or day).

Introducing New Concepts/Lessons

• Speak clearly and slowly when presenting new information.
• Give material on a new concept to the student before it’s taught to the whole class (so the student can get familiar with it ahead of time).
• Give a list of or highlight key vocabulary and concepts for upcoming lessons.
• Give a short review or connection to a previous lesson before teaching something new.
• Give the student an outline of the lesson.
• Grade based on the student’s completion of the lesson goal. (For instance, don’t grade spelling errors if that’s not what the student was supposed to learn.)