---
title: Classroom accommodations for auditory processing disorder
description: What classroom accommodations can help students with auditory processing disorder? Here are strategies teachers can try at school.
slug: classroom-accommodations-for-auditory-processing-disorder
author: The Understood Team
reviewer: Ginny Osewalt
published: '2019-08-05T15:33:27.538Z'
thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/5tHtnLNNOuEqyW8VrgMTz4/0bea1814c25c997f8922683e101ae8e8/G1096105030.jpg
source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/classroom-accommodations-for-auditory-processing-disorder
lang: en
---

# Classroom accommodations for auditory processing disorder

Auditory processing disorder (APD) makes it hard for students to process and make meaning of sounds. That can make it hard to learn — from focusing on what a teacher says to learning how to read. 

Here are some examples of accommodations teachers can use to help with auditory processing disorder in the classroom.

## Classroom seating, materials, and routines

- Provide a quiet area for independent work.
- Let the student sit near the teacher and away from auditory distractions, like doors and windows.
- Check in frequently to make sure the student understands the work.
- Provide an assistive listening device to make it easier to distinguish the teacher’s voice.
- Give extra time for testing.

## Giving instructions and assignments

- Give step-by-step instructions, and have the student repeat them.
- Use attention-getting phrases like “This is important to know because….”
- Decide with the student on a [nonverbal signal](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/behavior-strategy-nonverbal-signals) to show that a key point is being made.
- Say directions, assignments, and schedules out loud, and rephrase as needed.
- Repeat key information throughout the lesson, and rephrase as needed.
- Use visual tools, images, and gestures to enhance and support spoken lessons.
- Break down test or classwork instructions into short, written steps.
- Highlight key words and ideas on worksheets.
- Give written homework instructions.
- Provide a list of homework assignments for the week (or day).

## Introducing new concepts/lessons

- Speak clearly and slowly when presenting new information.
- Give material on a new concept to the student before it’s taught to the whole class (so the student can get familiar with it ahead of time).
- Give a list of or highlight key vocabulary and concepts for upcoming lessons.
- Give a short review or connection to a previous lesson before teaching something new.
- Give the student an outline of the lesson.
- Grade based on the student’s completion of the lesson goal. (For instance, don’t grade spelling errors if that’s not what the student was supposed to learn.)

## What’s next?

Learn about [assistive technology for auditory processing](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/assistive-technology-for-auditory-processing). And hear from a mom on [what she wishes people knew](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/7-things-i-wish-people-knew-about-parenting-a-child-with-auditory-processing-disorder) about auditory processing disorder.

---

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