Able Kids Foundation, Inc.

Hearing is not the same as understanding.

Millions of children and adults live with central auditory processing disorder (CAPD). CAPD is a common yet misunderstood and underdiagnosed condition and refers to the brain's understanding of sound, not the ears' ability to detect it. CAPD can impact all areas of one's life including academic and work performance, self-esteem, social relationships, overall well-being, and quality of life. CAPD can also leave one feeling drained and exhausted at the end of the day. Many individuals with CAPD have described their environments as auditory chaos - it's as if all sounds are equally loud and important to their auditory system.

Without the right support, individuals with CAPD are often seen as lazy and underachievers. In reality, they’re working harder than anyone around them just to keep up. CAPD can affect school and work, friendships, self-esteem, and quality of life. It often occurs alongside ADHD, anxiety, autism, dyslexia, sensory processing disorder, visual processing challenges, and other conditions. It can easily be missed in gifted and neurodivergent populations.

Able Kids Foundation exists to change that. Our Fort Collins clinic opened in 2006, continuing CAPD work that began at Colorado State University more than 50 years ago. We’ve evaluated over 4,000 people from all 50 states and 32 countries. We started with children, and today we serve all ages. Adults are now one of the largest groups we see each year.

Our research-based testing gives each person objective answers and a clear plan for managing CAPD at home, at school, and at work. Our audiologist are invited speakers at local, national and international conferences on CAPD.

This Colorado Gives Day, help someone finally be heard and understood.