Many people, children, and adults alike are diagnosed every day with different mental or behavioral disorders like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, attention deficit disorder, or central auditory processing disorder.

Medications are often prescribed by licensed psychiatrists to control certain behavior or symptoms, but medication alone does not solve the underlying problems.

Parents may be able to determine the current level of auditory processing of their children and loved ones with the help of specialists and then help them increase the extent of their auditory processing with short and frequent activities, every day of the week.

Mostly, the testing of auditory processing skills is done in clinics, but simple tests could also be done at home. However, some tests may not solve all the issues your children or loved ones have.

Auditory processing, which is an essential skill, affects a person’s ability to read, follow instructions, and pay attention to reading. As the auditory processing of an individual increase, we see an improvement in speech patterns, thinking, and the ability to understand cause-and-effect relationships. Social skills then increase with an increase in an individual’s auditory processing skill, which in turn leads to a safer person.

At the beginning of mankind’s history, people spoke in much longer sentences and most of the time attended public speeches and debates, listened to others read aloud, discussed general topics during dinnertime, and then listened to radio broadcasts. In contrast, visual stimuli bombard us today in the form of computers, televisions, and a variety of handheld devices.

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In our society today, an average 1-year-old child can process one request at a time, for example, when they are told to touch their noses. With 2-year-old children, they can process two requests; three for 3-year-olds; four for 4-year-olds; and so on up to 7 years old.

At the age of 7, we stop developing this vital ability. Once a child understands numbers, we measure the auditory processing by testing the range of their numbers. Until then, we will use the same or a similar process for categories of words, toys, or other objects and body parts.

The purpose of the test is to determine the current auditory processing capacity of each person. After testing the person, several guidelines are to be followed. Ideally, the current level of auditory processing should correspond to the person’s age, up to 7 years.

A person reaches a higher level when you start working with them after completing the test. Prepare some cards with random sequences of digits (digits 0–9). Prepare three sequences for each level—i.e., three sequences with 4 digits, three with 5 digits, and up to 7 digits.

This test measures a person’s ability to repeat a random sequence of digits in the order given on the first attempt. If the person does two of three correctly, go to the next level with different numbers and sequences. Tell the person you want the numbers you gave them returned in the same order.

Say “Repeat 1 … 7” and say these digits every second. The person you are testing would supposedly answer back “1 … 7” in the order it was given to them. The person tested must repeat two or three sequences in the correct order to be classified as competent at this level for the first time.

Once you have determined the current level of the person, start working at the next higher level to increase their sequential auditory processing. Call random sequences at this level twice a day for 3 minutes. You can call the digits up to 3 times before moving on to another sequence.

Be optimistic and encouraging as this can be tedious. Some kind of reinforcement will help. For example, filling beans in a jar or other special family activity can lead to a special moment with a loved one. Be patient with your loved one as well, as they will have difficulty passing these tests. In the end, though, you will gain a better understanding of their condition and, in a way, a better understanding of them.