[DET62]

My 15 year old daughter [home 2 years] was recently diagnosed with mild APD [auditory processing disorder]. The program the audiologist told me to order costs $2,500, the Fast ForWord. I can't afford that right now and I am looking for alternatives. Another one is called linguisystems.

Anyone have any experience with this?

I am homeschooling her this year, just to help her catch up so she will be ready next year for high school. I'd rather not utilize school sources.

Dee

[Untbunny]

I do not have any experience with the programs but I am extremely familiar with APD. Three years ago (after failing Spanish 101 three times) I was diagnosed with severe APD. In fact, the specialist found that I recognized less than 5% of language when unable to read lips. Knowing there was a brain wiring problem causing my significant delay in language acquisition provided a tremendous sense of relief! BTW I am a 40 yr old female attending graduate school. Testing came during undergrad.

Am I to assume that your daughter is from Kazakhstan? I bet the transition across linguistic cultures has been difficult for her.

My "specialist" is a nationally recognized learning disability psychologist (former professor) who now lectures across America and Canada. He did not suggest any specific software or learning program. In all honesty, any time a professional recommends a particular item (name brand, etc) I wonder what his/her affiliation is with the brand.

Did the audiologist give any indication as to your daughters specific deficit? Difficulty detecting pitch differences, confusion between similar sounding words esp. those beginning with c,t, and d? Fast ForWard appears to cover all aspects of APD. Unless your daughter is deficient in all areas the software program would be overkill. From experience (and this is my opinion) it is best to find her strongest learning/knowledge acquisition sense (auditory, visual, tactile) and teach to her attributes while strengthening her weakness.

If I appear to be lecturing I apologize profusely. This is a subject that I am very passionate about. Your daughter is fortunate to have such an attentive parent. She has been saved from possibly feeling she isn't "smart enough" to overcome her learning challenge.

Hang in there. Sending you all the support I can muster....
Rebecca

[DET62]

Since my last post, I have had my daughter tested at a place called Lindamood Bell. It claims to be able to address the APD, plus language based reading difficulties and phonemic awareness. I don't understand all the terminology yet.

I have spoken to several parents (on several different boards) and they all spoke very highly of Lindamood Bell. It's 3-4 hours a day of intense therapy for several weeks.

I don't think Alesia needs Fast ForWord, but if the Lindamood Bell hasn't helped her trmendously I will still consider getting it later.

Her tutor said the Linguisystems CD-ROMS are also great, and she can see a real improvement, using them. I ordered the ones for vocabulary and comprehension.