Lots of kids get diagnosed with Auditory Processing Disorder
but few families find real treatment.
Let’s change that.
The APD PowerUP Program is a 12-week course of individualized intervention rooted in the most current research on effective techniques for improving auditory processing skills. We begin by reviewing your child’s Auditory Processing Evaluation report. Based on the type (or multiple types) of Auditory Processing Disorder identified in the evaluation, we’ll plan a set of training activities that specifically target your child’s areas of deficit. The training activities will include a combination of live therapy techniques and digital tools.
Each week, your child will meet with a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and complete their in-person training in a 45-minute session. The SLP will also assign exercises for your child to complete at home using therapeutic software programs that match their needs. The program is adjusted each week as your child progresses through a hierarchy of auditory skills.
At the end of the 12 weeks, the SLP will review your child’s progress with you. This review includes discussion of data collected throughout the program and a comparison of your child’s performance on pre-program and post-program measures.
Auditory processing skills are critical foundations for communication. When auditory processing improves, your child’s access to communication will increase, so they can learn better and socialize better. As your child wraps up their experience in the PowerUP Program, we’ll help you plan the next steps to build on their expanded potential.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much does it cost?
The fee for the program is $1800. This includes 12 weeks of individualized Speech-Language Therapy plus a home program to accelerate your child’s progress.
Can this program be covered by insurance?
APD PowerUP is a form of Speech-Language Therapy, so you may be entitled to some insurance coverage. We do not participate directly with any insurance plans. We can provide you with a coded superbill with a breakdown of the program in individual sessions. You can submit this superbill your insurance plan for out-of-network reimbursement. We have a certified medical biller on staff who can help make sure you have what you need for your submission.
Will you test my child for Auditory Processing Disorder?
No. Only an audiologist can diagnose APD. Our training program is an excellent option for individuals who have already been diagnosed with APD. We will review your diagnostic evaluation report as well as any other relevant clinical information (e.g. speech-language, educational, and/or psychological evaluations) and plan their program based on their personal profile.
Is my child too old/young for this intervention?
APD intervention is considered most effective and influential for children ages 7-12 years. Children younger than 7 should not work with some APD training activities like dichotic listening. They can, however, benefit enormously from speech-language therapy. We can set up a language training program that’s appropriate for your younger child. Teens, young adults, and adults who have lived with APD all their lives can absolutely benefit from auditory training, though they may experience less overall change than younger individuals because of brain development. Adolescents or adults who are experiencing aquired auditory issues as a result of traumatic brain injury are great candiates for APD intervention.
What if my child is still making progress at the 12-week mark. Do we just stop?
We can absolutely continue with a weekly fee if we feel your child could continue to make important gains. Most individuals will reap the achievable benefits of auditory training activities by 14-16 weeks.
What happens when my child finishes the APD training program?
We’ll help you plan what comes next. APD skills are foundations for language, learning, literacy, and social communication. After we’ve addressed the auditory skills to the extent possible, it is very likely that your child will benefit from interventions targeting these skills in different ways.
Do we have to come to the live sessions in-person or can they be done remotely?
In-person is strongly recommended, though some remote work is viable for some clients. We can discuss your individual situation.
What if I don’t think my child can sustain attention for 45-minute sessions?
You may be surprised! BC SLPs have a lot of tricks up our sleeves. We are ready to mix training activities with pure fun. Our offices are packed with toys and games to make sure we’re not all work and no play. Most students can make very good use of that time. In some cases, we may choose to rearrange the treatment dosage so therapy sessions are shorter but there are more of them throughout the program. Also, your in-person sessions will include a mix of direct intervention and parent education with the SLP to ensure your week of home activities goes smoothly. Your time with your SLP will always be used productively.
