APD stands for Auditory Processing Disorder, which is a hearing problem that affects the way the brain understands sounds. It is not a hearing loss or a learning disorder, but rather a disruption in the way the brain processes sound information. People with APD can hear sounds, but they may have difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments or when there are multiple speakers. APD can affect people of all ages, but it often starts in childhood. Some of the symptoms of APD include difficulty understanding speech, mixing up similar sounds, and dropping the ends of words. APD can lead to learning delays, so children who have it may need extra help in school. There is no cure for APD, but treatment is specific to each person and usually focuses on classroom support, making other skills stronger, and using electronic devices like an FM system to help the child hear the teacher more clearly. APD is not technically considered a learning disability, but children with APD may be eligible for an accommodation plan such as an individualized education program (IEP) or a 504 plan that would outline any special needs for the classroom.