When the Brain Can't Hear: Unraveling the Mystery of Auditory Processing Disorder » (Reprint)

Teri James Bellis, Ph.d., is a professor of audiology at the University of South Dakota and the author of the authoritative text for professionals on the diagnosis and treatment of APD. Ironically, she herself became the victim of adult-onset APD as the result of head trauma suffered in a car accident.

Her writing has been featured in numerous medical and academic publications, including the prestigious Journal of Neuroscience. She lives in South Dakota.

Millions of Americans have difficulty understanding spoken language. They're not deaf, autistic, or slow. They have what some have called the auditory equivalent of dyslexia -- APD. The debilitatiting effects of APD cross all ages, genders, and races. This book contains vital information for anyone who suffers from this serious disorder.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Diane M Brewer, MA(George Washington University)
Description:This book attempts to inform and guide the parents of children or the adult who may have auditory processing disorders (APD). It is written in a clear and interesing style suited to the lay reader.
Purpose:The author has met her objective in providing a wealth of information illustrated by case studies. She seeks to "unravel the mystery of auditory processing disorder" as the subtitle states. The goal is a worthy one. APD is often confused with other problems and is difficult for the lay person (and often professionals) to understand. The author has done a wonderful job of trying to clarify the issues.
Audience:The book is written for the consumer: the parent of the child with APD and the adult with APD. The author has been writing and lecturing about APD for the past 15 years and is an acknowledged authority in the area.
Features:The many types of APDs are defined through a series of case studies. The book goes on to cover the complex relationships between language, cognition and learning, and APD. APD is discussed across the lifespan with chapters covering children, adults and the elderly. The chapter on diagnoses of APD carefully outlines who should and should not have APD testing. It outlines the possible procedures and other information needed to complete the picture of APD. The author includes common sense information throughout the text. For example, parents should consider what would be added to the current management plan for a child as a result of APD testing before undergoing an evaluation. The author also presents information on treatments for APD and gives tips on living with APD. Anecdotes are used throughout the book to illustrate the points, making it easy to read and engaging.
Assessment:The author has done an excellent job of providing a vast amount of information about auditory processing disorders in an accessible format. Throughout the book, there is a positive tone of support and optimism. This book should be a wonderful resource for parents and adults who need guidance through the maze of APD information.

CONTENTS

PREFACE Walking a Mile in Their Shoes

1 The Many Faces of APD

Clay: Severe APD in a Preschooler

Larry: Mild APD in an Adult

Jason: Right-Hemisphere Disorder and APD

Evelyn: APD in the Elderly

If a Tree Falls in the Forest: Debating the Existence of APD

2 Learning, Language, and Auditory Processing

A Is for Apple: Auditory Processing and Spelling

See Spot Run: Auditory Processing and Reading

There's a Bathroom on the Right: Auditory Processing and Receptive Language

The Rain in Spain: Auditory Processing and Speech Production

How Long Is the Diving Board? Auditory Processingand Problem-Solving

Make New Friends: Auditory Processing andSocialization

3 APD in Children

Shake, Rattle, and Roll: APD in Infants and Toddlers

Building Blocks: APD and the Preschool Child

Show-and-Tell: APD in Elementary School

Prom Night: APD in Middle and High School

Rush Week: APD at College

4 APD in Adults

He Never Listens Anymore: APD in Middle-Aged Men

I Just Can't Say Anything Right: APD in Postmenopausal Women

Everybody's Mumbling at Me: APD in the Elderly

5 Diagnosing APD

Why You Need to Be Tested for APD

Here's What You Need to Do

The Diagnostic Journey: Here's What Will Happen

Tools of the Trade: Diagnostic Tests for APD

The Language, Learning, and Communication Puzzle

Assessing the Whole Person

Disassembly Required: Analyzing Areas of Weakness

Integrating Test Results

Different Types of APD

When a Listening Problem Is Not APD

6 TreatingAPD

The Grieving Process

Basic Principles of APD Management

All the World's a Stage: Environmental Modifications at School

Thinking outside the Box: Environmental Modifications at Work

Where They Have to Take You In: Environmental Modifications at Home

Training the Brain: Therapy Activities for APD

7 Living with APD

Taking the Initiative: Becoming an Active Listener

Operating on a Higher Plane: Metacognitive and Metalinguistic Strategies

Put It in Writing: Memory Enhancement Techniques

What I Want to Be When I Grow Up: Making Realistic Life Choices

It Takes a Village: Resources for Children and Adults with APD

AFTERWORD: THE FUTURE OF APD

GLOSSARY

INDEX