Glossary of Terms

What is an auditory processing difference?

In layman's terms, auditory processing differences refer to how our brains process sounds and understand the information we hear. When someone has auditory processing differences, it means that their brain may have some challenges in accurately recognizing, interpreting, and making sense of sounds and spoken language.

For example, imagine you're in a noisy room with lots of people talking. People with auditory processing differences may find it harder to focus on a specific conversation or filter out background noise, making it difficult for them to understand what someone is saying. They might also struggle with following verbal instructions, remembering what they've heard, or distinguishing similar sounds like "b" and "d."

It's important to note that auditory processing differences are not related to hearing loss, but rather how the brain processes the sounds it hears. People with these differences may benefit from specific teaching methods or support to help them better understand and communicate with others effectively.

What is ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that often affects children and continues into adulthood. Individuals with ADHD experience challenges in processing and managing attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. They may find it difficult to sustain focus on tasks, control their impulses, and may feel restless or constantly on the move. This processing disorder can impact various aspects of life, including academic performance, work, and relationships. However, with appropriate support and strategies, individuals with ADHD can effectively manage their symptoms and succeed in various areas of life.

Anxiety is a normal response to stress or perceived threats. However, some individuals may experience excessive and overwhelming anxiety, affecting their ability to process and cope with emotions effectively. This processing disorder can lead to persistent worry, fear, or unease about future events or uncertain situations. Physical symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, sweating, or trembling may also accompany anxious feelings. Therapy and stress-reduction techniques can help individuals manage anxiety and improve their emotional well-being.

What is anxiety?

Dyslexia is a processing disorder that primarily affects reading and language comprehension. Individuals with dyslexia encounter difficulties in accurately recognizing and understanding written words, leading to challenges in reading fluency and comprehension. These struggles can affect academic performance and self-esteem, particularly in language-related subjects. However, with early identification and specialized reading instruction, individuals with dyslexia can improve their reading skills and thrive academically and personally.

What is dyslexia?

Hyperlexia is a rare and complex processing disorder characterized by an exceptional ability to read at a very early age, often before the age of five. While hyperlexic individuals may demonstrate advanced word recognition and decoding skills, they may encounter difficulties in understanding spoken language and expressing themselves verbally. Early interventions, such as speech therapy and social skills training, can help address the specific needs of individuals with hyperlexia.

What is hyperlexia?

Dysgraphia is a processing disorder that impacts a person's ability to produce written language effectively. Individuals with dysgraphia may struggle with handwriting, spelling, and organizing their thoughts on paper. Expressing ideas in writing can be challenging and time-consuming, affecting academic performance and self-confidence. Occupational therapy and specialized writing instruction can help individuals with dysgraphia improve their writing skills and overall written communication.

What is dysgraphia?

Dyscalculia is a processing disorder characterized by difficulties in understanding and working with numbers and mathematical concepts. Individuals with dyscalculia may struggle with basic arithmetic, telling time, counting money, and understanding mathematical symbols and operations. This processing disorder is not related to intelligence but rather how the brain processes numerical information. Early identification and tailored interventions, such as multisensory math instruction, can help individuals with dyscalculia build their mathematical abilities and develop greater confidence in mathematical problem-solving.

What is dyscalculia?