More Than Words: Treating the Whole Child
The Reading and Language Learning Center
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Why Some Children Struggle to Process What They Hear with McLean Speech & Language
What does it mean when a child can hear perfectly well, but still struggles to follow directions, process spoken language, or learn in noisy environments? In this episode of More Than Words: Treating the Whole Child, host Tristen sits down with speech-language pathologists Kim Hiday and Rachel Saulle from McLean Speech & Language to unpack auditory processing challenges in children and adults. Together, they explain the difference between hearing and auditory processing, common signs parents and teachers may notice, how auditory processing difficulties can impact learning and daily life, and the therapy approaches and accommodations that can help. From classroom seating strategies to auditory integration training and speech-language interventions, this conversation offers practical insight for families trying to better understand how children process sound and language. Whether your child struggles to follow verbal directions, seems overwhelmed in noisy spaces, or has difficulty listening despite normal hearing tests, this episode provides a compassionate, evidence-informed starting point. What You’ll Learn ✨ The difference between hearing ability and auditory processing ✨ Common signs of auditory processing challenges in children ✨ Why some children “zone out” during listening-heavy tasks ✨ How auditory processing difficulties can affect reading, language, and learning ✨ What auditory processing evaluations may include ✨ Classroom accommodations that can support listening and attention ✨ Therapy approaches including speech-language intervention and auditory training ✨ What parents should do first if they suspect auditory processing difficulties About the Guests Kim Hiday, M.S., CCC-SLP and Rachel Saulle, M.S., CCC-SLP are speech-language pathologists at McLean Speech & Language who specialize in auditory processing, language development, literacy, and individualized intervention planning for children and adults. Their clinical work includes auditory processing evaluations, speech-language therapy, auditory integration training, and collaborative school-based supports. Together, they help families better understand how listening, language, and learning intersect, while creating personalized recommendations that support success across home, school, and community settings. Episode Highlights Kim explains that hearing and auditory processing are not the same thing. Hearing involves the ears detecting sound, while auditory processing refers to how the brain interprets and organizes what we hear. Rachel discusses how auditory processing difficulties may sometimes look like attention challenges, especially when children become overwhelmed by listening demands in the classroom. The conversation also explores how classroom environments, seating arrangements, and background noise can significantly impact a child’s ability to process spoken information effectively. Kim and Rachel share examples of interventions and accommodations that may support children with auditory processing needs, including speech-language strategies, auditory training, and individualized environmental supports. Resources & Links 🌐 McLean Speech & Language https://mcleanspeech.com 📸 Instagram: @McLeanSpeech 📘 Facebook: McLean Speech and Language 🌐 The Reading & Language Learning Center https://www.readingllcenter.com 📸 Follow RLLC on Instagram: @readinglanguagecenter 📘 Follow RLLC on Facebook: The Reading & Language Learning Center 🎧 Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe, rate, and review More Than Words: Treating the Whole Child wherever you listen to podcasts.
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