Jobs for People with Auditory Processing Disorder

Auditory processing disorder is more prevalent among children than adults, but there are still plenty of adults that suffer from the condition. It is estimated that about 3-4 percent of people suffer from APD in some way.

Finding jobs for people with auditory processing disorder can be a challenge, as it can have such a big impact on the way in which we communicate, but there are options and methods of support.

How Auditory Processing Disorder Impacts Work

APD can make it difficult for people to understand speech, follow instructions and complete tasks that involve listening. This can obviously have a big impact on the workplace.

There are some jobs that are going to be more difficult for people with APD, such as jobs that require a lot of phone work or customer service roles. However, there are plenty of options that are suitable, especially if you find an understanding employer who can support you.

There are also forms of auditory training that you may be able to partake in to try and help lessen the symptoms, and other forms of support for adults with APD.

Is APD a Disability?

This is a difficult question to answer, as APD can vary so much from person to person. In some cases, it may not have much of an impact on everyday life, but for others, it can be severely debilitating.

If you feel that your APD is impacting your ability to work or live a normal life, then it may be classed as a disability. The Equality Act defines a disability as a “physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities”. Auditory processing disorder could fit this description.

Jobs for Adults with APD

Good jobs for auditory processing disorder are those that keep communication that is purely auditory to a minimum, and roles where there isn’t a lot of background noise. In the modern age, there are also plenty of jobs where you can work from home, which may be a good option.

Suitable jobs for people with APD include:

• Text chat support. This means you won’t have to spend a lot of time using audio communication.
• Data entry. This is a job that doesn’t require much listening or talking.
• Proofreading. Again, this is a job that can be done from home and doesn’t require a lot of auditory communication.
• Web development or design. These jobs usually involve working alone or in a quiet environment.

These are just a few examples. With an accessible employer, there are so many potential jobs that you can consider. Your condition shouldn’t prevent you from chasing a job you’re passionate about.

Finding a Suitable Role

You can start your search for a suitable job today. Our disability job board is a perfect place to start, with regular jobs posted by employers with a great track record of supporting disabled applicants and employees.