Neurodiversity-Affirming Approaches to Addressing Auditory Processing Difficulties | With Vanessa Rentschler #143

Autism Weekly

This week, we are joined by Dr. Vanessa Rentschler, an audiology expert from Portland, Oregon, with a wealth of experience and a Doctor of Audiology Degree from Salus University. Dr. Rentschler specializes in improving hearing and listening skills through direct auditory training. Today, she'll discuss neurodiversity-affirming assessment and treatment for auditory processing difficulties. We'll explore how auditory struggles, whether due to hearing loss, head injuries, or neurodivergence, can impact communication and learning. Listen to learn more!

Resources:

Sound Sensitivity - YouTube

Auditory Assessment: Diagnostic auditory processing test protocols (adapted for individual needs) guide differential diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Functional listening assessments can effectively inform school/employment accommodation recommendations. Comprehensive consulting on both clinical services and educational advocacy can help individuals and families navigate systems and obtain appropriate support.

Auditory Remediation: Brainstem pathways involved in processing differences between the ears can be effectively trained with evidence-based auditory training tasks. Synchronized and balanced listening with both ears is a pre-requisite function for filtering out noise from speech, among other auditory functions (like localization). Explicit training on speech sounds and sensorimotor timing is also effective in reducing listening effort and improving understanding.

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