Scientific Learning is committed to developing programs and products that use advanced technology, are scientifically validated, and serve to improve language-based learning skills in children and adults. Auditory processing is the ability of the brain to effectively use information sent to it by the ears. A person with normal hearing may have difficulty making effective use of that hearing if the neural pathways in the brain can t respond to the subtle changes in the acoustic signal, such as differences in timing, frequency and quality. Auditory processing deficits occur frequently in people who have a history of middle ear infections, and can negatively impact their language development as well as their ability to attend to speech in difficult listening situations such as the classroom or a crowded restaurant. Auditory processing deficits can look very similar to attention deficits, and frequently co-occur, making it difficult to discern whether someone s poor listening skills are due to auditory processing deficits, attention deficits, or both.
Oral language is the second broad category comprising language-based learning skills.
Oral language consists of skills such as following directions, engaging in conversation, answering questions in class, and retelling a story. People with oral language deficits frequently forget or misinterpret directions, leave out important details when telling a story, and struggle with academic tasks such as participating in group discussions, understanding homework assignments, and reading and writing. Reading and writing comprise the third component of language-based learning skills. Written language is the most complex form of communication, and can be very difficult to master if you have difficulty with some of the prerequisite skills, such as oral language and auditory processing. As soon as a child first starts associating letters with sounds, the reading process has begun.