This is a helpful checklist if you’re a teacher working with APD in the classroom.

Classroom Environment:

• Preferential seating
• Within 2m of teacher (unless wearing remote microphone hearing aids)
• Seated away from auditory distractions such as doorways or air conditioners

Communication:

• Gain students attention before speaking
• Face student when speaking
• Limit distracting noises where possible

• Use clear speech with student
• Use a slightly reduced rate
• Use slightly increased volume
• Emphasise key words
• Pause often
• Repeat or rephrase as needed to ensure message has been understood

• When giving instructions:
• Give written as well as verbal instructions for home and class work
• Give clear and specific instructions without using too many words
• Link verbal instructions to visual cues to help the student remember

• Avoid multi-tasking (e.g writing while listening)
• Use a buddy who can then confirm what has been said
• Be aware that students who struggle to process information tend to fatigue more easily
• Consider having breaks in listening
• Consider the time of day when presenting auditory tasks

• Give adequate response time
• Allow the student time to work out the answer. For example, let the student know that you are coming back to them for an answer and ask someone else a question before coming back to them.
• Allow extended time to complete tasks More time is needed to comprehend

Self Advocacy:

• Encourage the student to self-monitor the listening environment and identify any problems