How to Tell the Difference Between ADHD and APD: A Practical Guide for Parents

Raising a child with attention or listening problems can feel stressful and overwhelming. Many parents in Memphis find it hard to tell the difference between ADHD and APD. But knowing which one your child has is important. It helps you get the right kind of support and treatment.

This simple guide will help you spot the signs of ADHD and APD. You’ll also learn how they can look alike and what tests and treatments are available to help your child.

What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is a condition that affects how the brain understands sounds. Children with APD usually have normal hearing. But their brains have trouble making sense of what they hear.

Symptoms of APD

Trouble understanding speech in noisy environments
Frequently asking for repetition
Difficulty following multi-step instructions
Poor listening skills
Trouble with reading, spelling, and phonics
Behavioral issues stemming from frustration or misunderstanding

If you suspect your child may be struggling with APD, a professional assessment is crucial. Visit Professional Audiological Services for a comprehensive auditory processing assessment in Memphis.

What Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a brain-based condition. It causes problems with focus, self-control, and activity levels. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention and staying still.

Symptoms of ADHD

Difficulty focusing on tasks
Easily distracted
Excessive talking or fidgeting
Impulsivity
Trouble waiting their turn
Forgetfulness in daily activities

Like APD, ADHD can make school and social situations harder. Diagnosing ADHD usually involves behavior tests. Teachers and caregivers may also share their observations.

APD vs ADHD: Key Differences

While both disorders impact a child’s ability to follow instructions and perform well in school, they differ in origin and management.

Feature	APD	ADHD
Origin	Neurological (auditory processing)	Neurodevelopmental (behavioral regulation)
Hearing Ability	Normal hearing, poor sound processing	Hearing not typically affected
Main Issues	Misinterpreting sounds and speech	Difficulty maintaining focus, hyperactivity
Diagnosis	Audiological tests	Psychological evaluations
Treatment	Auditory training, speech therapy	Behavioral therapy, medication

Why Misdiagnosis Happens

Because the symptoms of ADHD and APD can overlap—such as inattention and poor listening—misdiagnosis is common. For example, a child with APD may appear to be ignoring instructions, when in fact they didn’t process the information accurately. Similarly, a child with ADHD might miss instructions due to a wandering mind rather than an auditory issue.

If your child has ADHD but still struggles with communication, treatment alone may not be enough. They might also have APD. An auditory processing test can help find out. Visit Professional Audiological Services for more information.

Types of Auditory Processing Disorders

There are several types of auditory processing disorders, including:

Auditory Discrimination Disorder: Difficulty distinguishing between similar sounds
Auditory Memory Deficit: Trouble recalling auditory information
Auditory Figure-Ground Problems: Struggling to focus on important sounds in noisy environments
Auditory Cohesion Deficit: Trouble understanding abstract or complex language

Knowing what type of auditory processing disorder your child has is important. It helps you choose the right kind of support and treatment.

ADHD and APD: Can a Child Have Both?

Yes, a child can have both ADHD and APD. This can make diagnosis harder because the symptoms often overlap. When both are present, each condition needs its own treatment plan.

Learning Disabilities and Related Challenges

Children with either disorder may have learning problems. They might struggle with reading, spelling, or math. These problems can get worse if the child has trouble focusing or understanding sounds.

Support at school can help. This includes learning plans made just for your child and regular talks with teachers. These steps can improve your child’s success in school.

The Importance of Professional Evaluation

A thorough evaluation is crucial for an accurate diagnosis. Auditory processing assessments are conducted by licensed audiologists and often include:

Listening tasks in quiet and noisy environments
Speech discrimination tests
Memory and sequencing exercises

Behavioral assessments for ADHD often include:

Interviews with parents and teachers
Standardized questionnaires
Observation of the child’s behavior in multiple settings

To schedule an assessment in Memphis, contact Professional Audiological Services at (901) 372-0040.

Pediatric Hearing Aids and Assistive Devices

For children with APD, hearing aids or assistive listening devices may be recommended to improve sound clarity. PAS offers a wide range of pediatric hearing aids tailored for children’s needs.

In some cases, children may benefit from:

FM systems that amplify the teacher’s voice in classrooms
Custom earmolds
Noise-canceling headphones for focus

To explore available options, visit Professional Audiological Services’ product page.

Supporting Children with ADHD or APD

Here are a few tips to support children diagnosed with either condition:

At Home

Create a quiet, structured environment
Break tasks into smaller steps
Use visual aids and written instructions
Reinforce positive behavior with rewards

At School

Request an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
Collaborate with teachers and school psychologists
Use preferential seating near the teacher
Allow extra time for assignments or tests

Process Auditory Information with Expert Help

Children with APD need help understanding sounds better. Auditory training, language activities, and speech therapy can make a big difference. These tools help kids learn to cope and improve how they listen and learn.

Professional Audiological Services in Memphis offers special programs and hearing tools. These help children process sounds more clearly. To learn more, call (901) 372-0040.

Final Thoughts: Getting the Right Diagnosis Makes All the Difference

ADHD and APD can be hard to tell apart. Early and accurate diagnosis is very important for your child’s success. If your child has trouble hearing, paying attention, or learning, get a full evaluation. This will help find out if it’s auditory processing disorder, ADHD, or both.

Awareness is the first step. Help is available once you have the right diagnosis.

For caring expert help in Memphis, call Professional Audiological Services at (901) 372-0040 or visit their website to book an appointment.