Auditory processing disorder ADHD

What's the connection? Sensory input, especially auditory information, may be difficult for people with ADHD to process. Children with ADHD, for example, do not perform as well on auditory processing tests, according to a 2017 study. After methylphenidate treatment, they perform comparably to neurotypical youngsters.Sensory input, especially auditory information, may be difficult for people with ADHD to process. Children with ADHD, for example, do not perform as well on auditory processing tests, according to a 2017 studyTrusted Source. After methylphenidate treatment, they perform comparably to neurotypical youngsters. This shows that auditory processing problems could be a sign of ADHD.

Executive functioning, concentration, and impulse control are all impacted by ADHD.

Source you can trust. People may find it more difficult to interpret sensory input, including noises, as a result of this. In distracting surroundings, it may be difficult or impossible for someone with ADHD to interpret noises or distinguish one sound from another.

Other sensory processing difficulties may also be present in patients with ADHD, according to research. They may have a strong desire for sensory stimulation through chewing or be less sensitive to sensory input such as loud noises or bright lights than usual.

Similarly, APD symptoms may resemble those of ADHD. Because a person who cannot accurately interpret sound may appear inattentive, this is the case. Their sensory issues can also have an impact on their conduct. According to a 2018 systematic review, children with APD share similar features to children with ADHD, including behaviors and test scores.

It's also conceivable for someone to have both ADHD and APD at the same time.

Important distinctions

ADHD and auditory processing disorder have a lot of similarities. Children with APD had similar learning impairments to children with ADHD, learning disorders, particular language impairment, and dyslexia, according to a 2018 systematic study.

On tests of language, memory, intelligence, and attention, they all fare poorly. As a result, these tests are unable to distinguish between ADHD and APD. Children may also struggle to concentrate and have behavioral concerns.

The fundamental distinction between ADHD and APD is that people with APD have more difficulty with tasks that require sound.

They may not be able to complete a work that requires them to listen to a teacher, but they will struggle less with a test that requires them to read. When a person has other learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, identifying one condition from another becomes even more challenging. Because ADHD and APD frequently co-occur, diagnosing them both can be difficult.

The following are some signs that may help differentiate APD from ADHD:

APD makes determining the source of a sound more challenging.

Song learning may be difficult for people with APD.

People with APD may find it difficult to comprehend spoken language or decode sophisticated verbal communications.

Even when listening intently, people with APD may appear to have hearing problems.


Auditory processing disorder tests may be used to identify ADHD from APD.