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Auditory Processing Tips
By: Renata Bursten, Dragonfly Staff
Games to help kids develop good auditory processing skills.
Auditory processing describes how the brain takes raw sound and interprets it, creating meaning and understanding. Successful auditory processing is crucial for developing language in verbal children who use hearing.
Even before language develops in an infant, auditory processing is developing. Playing pre-language games help speed along the development of this faculty, preparing the solid ground for later language skill development.
Games to try with cognitively young children to develop auditory processing:
1. Name and describe what the child is doing in play. Use simple words, but use them constantly.
2. Read to your child. Point to pictures as they are named. Use a slow and animated voice.
3. Talk to your child all the time. (i.e.. When dressing them, name and touch their body parts.)
4. Look for toys that offer a few kinds of sensory stimulation at the same time so as to reinforce the relationships. For example:
- Wiggly Giggly - Balls that make sound,- Toys that light up and make music ,- Toys that move and make sounds
For cognitively older children:
5: Listen to many kinds of sounds and practice interpret the meaning of the sounds. Look for toys that have pictures and recorded sounds to match. Give the child plenty of time to make sense of the sounds.
6: Play games that require language and understanding. Try "Simon Says", Soundtracks, or try using language cards.
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PLAY Tip
Beginning To Use Switch Adapted Toys With Children With Special Needs
Since some children are easily distracted, it is best to remove distractions and setup toys in a manner that will keep the child interested and focused. In order to make a switch adapted toy stand out from the rest of the environment during play, place dark colored toys on a light surface, such as a towel. Place light colored toys on a dark surface. This will make it easier for children to see the cause and effect of pressing the switch activating the toy. There are many switch adapted to choose from - ranging from a cuddly bunny to a fierce dinosaur!