Ask an Autistic #26 - What is Central Auditory Processing Disorder?

Hello, I believe I have capd. But I feel that it's not as serve as most cases. One thing that I have noticed, is when someone is talking to me, I can hear them and remember what they are saying, to a certain length, but until I repeat it back to myself. In my head or out loud, it doesn't make sense. I have issues with background noise and focusing too, but it's really only at a certain volume that triggers it. However, that depends on the task too. If someone is talking to me, I can usually understand and remember them for like two to three sentences, but if it's lengthy instructions, not so much. I usually paraphrase back what I understood and they will respond with yes, or the missing details. It's nice to know that there is identifiable disorder now. When I was younger, it was very frustrating and embarrassing to not know what was going on with me. I tended to be pretty shy and quiet. Now with time and experience, I have found certain tricks and ways of approaching things that it has made it easier, but really being an adult is a whole level of expectation and responsiblity. Anybody that knows someone with this disorder, or has it themselves keep your chin up, and know you're not alone ;)

omg I just realized I have this. I do not have an ASD but I have ADD maybe it often comes together? My son has an ASD so it's definitely in the family genes....

I have CAPD, and your description of the experience is spot-on as are the accommodations. I've also found that this video:
https://youtu.be/Vt4Dfa4fOEY
does an excellent job of giving non-CAPD folks an idea what it's like. The video is "what English sounds like to non-English speakers", and the two actors carry on a dialog using English phonemes but with the mixed together like gibberish. So, it really conveys the frustration of trying to follow a conversation by tone and context without any of the actual content.

Oh, so this could explain why the doctor found nothing abnormal when I got my ears tested, yet I still often have trouble understanding correctly what people (from the mailman to my mom) tell me, even if I'm very attentive to what they say? I'm learning stuff with this video.

This makes so much sense. I am a musician (not professional), and have no problem hearing notes or rhythms or anything, but tend to almost "tune out" words or other sounds. I have a lot of difficulty understanding speech unless I am reading someone's lips, or there are some sort of subtitles. This makes phone calls pretty anxiety-inducing, as well as trying to talk with people in public or as a group. If someone is talking to me, the words sort of phase in and out most of the time. Even when I do understand what someone says, I tend to forget very quickly unless I also saw it in writing, or wrote it down. I've never met anyone else with this issue, and generally am unable to explain it to people. Thanks for making the video.

Hi Amethyst. Thank You so much for sharing your experience and enlightening the world beyond the scope of the clinical mindframe. My son is 11 yrs old and on Home Instruction from being overwhelmed at school and from being bullied. My son was diagnosed with Aspergers which they now refer to as just AUTISM. He is on the high functioning scale of the spectrum which is overlooked because he has a high Iq and can obtain straight A's but is suffering and said it is hard to get the A's. He has CAPD,Sensory issues,anxiety,pstd from the trauma of being bullied. He was having panic attacks in school. The child study team keep saying they are not seeing the CAPD AUTISM ETC BECAUSE HE DOESN'T LOOK LIKE IT. THEY HAVE THE MONEY TO HELP MY SON BUT ARE DRAGGING THEIR FEET. THE NEW HOMESCHOOL TEACHER IS a 7th grade science teacher. We meet her at the library. You know she is already tired from her day full of adolescents and my son feels her frustration. She waa advised to use verbal cues. My son has a 504 plan which clearly states he needs visual aids. He is now shutting down again due to be frustrated by this system. There are too many distractions in the library and he is now in functioning crisis mode as a result of not being in the right atmosphere for years. I have been advocating for him diligently. He should have an IEP &be in a school that can fit his needs. Its sad that money is ruling the hearts of people.
My son now is up all night w night terrors from being bullied. The school's response was that the other boy has Add. My son was diagnosed with that too and many others but I affirm in him that you are not these diagnosis but you can do anything you put your mind to. This seed implanted will supercede all the trauma,hurt,pain&
exalt him to overcome.
Educators need to see each student as a whole living being and not teach in a box. I
hope many will stand in prayer for my son Elijah.
Thank You. With God all things are possible.

I'm so glad I found your videos. Being autistic, I've had this issue for years. I was wondering if being previously deaf and having speech delays would have any connection to CAPD? Any answers are helpful.

I have this filter thingamajiggy that goes in my ear, it slows down the speed of my faster ear to the speed of my slower one, it's awesome, and works great, I can even walk by music without going into overload, and hear my own thoughts when I want to.

I really like your video explaining CAPD. I teach university students, but am a little concerned the video may be a little longer than I can use for a 75 minute class. I try to use videos that are 2 to 3 minutes. However, you have done an excellent job explaining CAPD. Thank you. JT

I find that using click/impulse noise helps me concentrate on what I'm working on or listening to. I highly suggest it for you to try, though at first it sounds like bugs walking all over the place.

I laughed a bit when you said 'The dreaded "Voice"' because I get that all the time. I'm really sensitive in my hearing and I use my hearing to pick up on emotion because I have difficulty with facial expressions and body language, but the downside is I get terrified and anxious when people sound annoyed or frustrated with me with their tone of voice. I notice it so subtly that sometimes it feels like they might not even notice that it's having that effect on me but it is.

What is the difference to Hypersensitivity to Sounds?

(My hearing is very good, Music/sounds easily distract and annoy me, I often don't hear people if I'm very focused and get overwhelmed in crowded noisy environments, might hear talking but can't understand.)

I have an auditory processing disorder to but with mine when I'm given multiple step directing or things to do I can't remember them all or the order of them I forget them I have to be given no more than 3 things at a time

These videos on SPD/CAPD/etc. really make me happy. Although I haven't been diagnosed, I've experienced far too many sensory overloads over the past month. Whenever I tell people, they just say that I'm not paying attention, or that it's just anxiety. Well, duh. If you couldn't decipher what was going on around you, you'd be freaking out too. I tell them I have issues processing the words people say; I'll know they're speaking, sometimes knowing the words they're saying, but I won't be able to figure out what they're saying as a whole. I always have to ask people to repeat what they're saying, and the way you described it fits so well. I normally stay within my mind, thinking and wondering about things, which keeps me from freaking out over all the noise around me. However, as soon as I snap back into reality, I'm so overwhelmed with everything going on that I can't handle it. They also say "that doesn't sound like processing issues," when that's exactly what sensory overload revolves around. :/

Another great video! I have moderate CAPD issues. Among other things you mentioned,certain sounds drive me nuts like ticking clocks. Thank god for the invention of Bose headphones! I wish I'd had some when I was younger. I actually get a little help with CAPD through eyewear. I've recorded a video about this but haven't put it up yet.

how can I add Arabic Subtitle to your videos . its very usefull .

For me, listening to louder music helps block out the background noise that is even more distracting. I only have to block out one sound instead of dozens. Has anyone else found this helpful?

I guess, that's what I have. I have normal hearing - but sometimes I just don't understand what someone is saying to me. It's like I hear the words but I don't get the meaning. Sometimes I need some seconds to get what has been said to me. I didn't know that this is also related to the autism spectrum. So thank you for the clarification.

My long term boyfriend has this and is comorbid with his ADHD, and this has helped me better understand. thank you. :)