​Does your child frequently say “What?” Ask you to repeat yourself? Struggle to follow directions or understand the teacher in a noisy classroom?

It may not be a hearing problem.

Sometimes a child can hear perfectly well but has difficulty processing and making sense of what they hear. This is known as an auditory processing disorder (APD).

3 Differences Parents May Notice:

1. They hear—but don't always understand.
A child with hearing loss may not hear sounds clearly or may miss parts of speech. A child with auditory processing difficulties may hear the words but struggle to understand what was said—especially when there is a lot of information coming at once.

2. Noise makes everything harder.
A child with APD may do fine talking with you in a quiet room but struggle in the classroom, cafeteria, or other noisy environments. They may seem like they're ignoring you when they're actually having difficulty separating your voice from the background noise.

3. Following directions can be a struggle.
Your child may hear a direction but forget part of it, become confused when there are multiple steps, or need information repeated. This can be especially noticeable at school.
Your child may be saying more than “I Don't Know.”

When a child struggles to listen, follow directions, or understand speech, it's easy to assume they're distracted, not paying attention, or simply not trying.

There's usually a reason behind the struggle, one that children don't understand.

A hearing evaluation can determine whether hearing loss may be contributing. If hearing is normal but difficulties continue, an audiologist can help determine whether an auditory processing evaluation may be appropriate.

Dr. Sara Cook, the director of our Auditory clinic provides evaluations and testing for both hearing and Auditory Processing disorders. If you'd like to make a appointment, please fill out and intake form here.
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Understanding the “why” can be the first step toward giving your child the support they need to listen, learn, and succeed.

​
Josh* was a brown-eyed 7-year-old with a big smile, an adventurous spirit, and lots of questions.
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He loved soccer and tennis and had been playing sports since he was four. He was curious about everything—and sometimes, that curiosity kept him awake at night.

“He literally would lay in bed at night,” his mom, Krista, remembers with a smile, “and have these questions that NEEDED to be answered before he could sleep.”

But there were also things that didn’t make sense.

Krista noticed that Josh often struggled to follow directions. Yet he could hear. In fact, she knew he could hear quite well. So why was following directions—and later, understanding what was happening around him—so difficult?

Looking for answers, Krista first brought Josh to A Chance To Grow to see a developmental optometrist to rule out vision concerns. Her next stop was the Auditory clinic. Josh was assessed by Dr. Cook for Auditory Processing Disorder (APD).

The results provided something the family desperately needed: an explanation—and a path forward.

“I was relieved that this was something we could address,” Krista shared.

Josh began his program at A Chance To Grow, and Krista found it surprisingly simple to incorporate into their daily routine. She would often put his headphones on while he slept, beginning the program about 20 minutes before he woke up.

And Josh loved the time he spent working with Mom. “He has always been an attention seeker,” Krista laughs. “He actually loved doing the programs because he loves having Mom’s undivided attention.”

But the changes went far beyond completing a program.

One of the most meaningful differences was Josh’s ability to understand the subtleties of language—especially humor and joking. Before therapy, he often took things very personally because he struggled to recognize when someone was simply trying to be funny.

To the amazement of his parents, he also started following multi-step directions easily.

And perhaps most importantly, Josh was able to focus on his teacher in the classroom without being overwhelmed by competing noise.

For Krista, the support from Dr. Cook was just as important as the program itself. Having someone knowledgeable to answer questions, offer guidance, and walk alongside their family made a tremendous difference.

At one point, Krista’s husband asked Dr. Cook a powerful question:
“What would Josh’s future look like if we hadn’t discovered his APD?”

Her answer was sobering:
“Likely a lifetime of academic tutoring.”

Thankfully, that wasn't Josh’s story.

Today, Josh is a sophomore in college—and he is excelling.

He still loves making people laugh and works tirelessly to do it. But now, he can also understand when someone is joking with him.

The little boy who once struggled to follow directions and navigate the nuances of conversation has grown into a young man who is confidently pursuing his future.

Krista and her family remain deeply grateful for the knowledgeable staff at A Chance To Grow and for the opportunity to discover what was really getting in Josh’s way.

Every child deserves the chance to be understood.
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Stories like Josh’s remind us why this work matters.

Sometimes, what looks like inattention, difficulty following directions, or a child who simply “isn't listening” can have a deeper explanation. Finding that why can change the way a child learns, connects, and sees themselves.

Your support helps make that discovery possible.

When you donate to A Chance To Grow, you aren't simply supporting a program. You are helping families find answers, giving children opportunities to reach their potential, and helping turn uncertainty into hope.

And if you are a parent wondering why your child is struggling, you don't have to figure it out alone.

A Chance To Grow is here to help you find the answers—and discover what may be possible for your child.
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Give today. Help a child’s story take a different direction.

*Names and photos have been changed for privacy

1. Start With a Protein-Rich Breakfast.  A protein-rich breakfast helps give your child steady energy and supports focus, attention, and a more balanced start to the day.

2. Limit Screens at Home.  Too much screen time can make it harder for children to regulate emotions, focus, and transition to the demands of school. Creating screen-free times gives their brains a chance to reset and connect.

3. Keep a Consistent Sleep Schedule.  Children need quality, consistent sleep for their brains and bodies to function well. A predictable bedtime and wake-up time can improve attention, mood, learning, and emotional regulation.

4. Schedule Family Time for Connection. Children do better when they feel connected and secure. Regular family time—even something as simple as dinner together, a walk, or talking before bed—gives your child a place to feel seen, heard, and supported.

5. Notice Struggles Early & Find Support. If your child is consistently struggling with emotions, behavior, learning, friendships, or school, don't wait for things to get worse. Identifying challenges early and finding the right support can make a meaningful difference.

20/20 Doesn't Mean Your Child Has Perfect Vision

Annie's* daughter, Lily was struggling to learn her ABCs, even though her IQ was off the charts for a 5-year-old.

Her pediatrician recommended the "wait and see" approach, but a therapist suggested having Lily's "eye tracking" checked at A Chance To Grow.

Annie muses, "The optometrist took one look at her eyes and said the brain was starting to shut down the vision in her left eye..."
Read Full Story
*names changed for privacy

Summer Fun Ideas for the Family:
​Try a Nature Scavenger Hunt

• Create a list of things to find—an acorn, butterfly, pinecone, bird feather, or animal track—and see who can check off the most items. Find Game here.

Visit Different Farmers Markets

• Let kids help pick out fresh fruits and vegetables for the week, and walk from booth to booth discovering new foods. List of MN Farmer's markets.

Explore New Bike Trails as a Family

• Explore together and create fond family memories, discovering new trails and hidden gems right in your own community. List of MN biking trails.

Experience the Delight of the MN Zoo Wanderlight Trail

• Visit the all-new, immersive evening experience with larger than life lanterns inspired by animals from around the world. MN Zoo Wanderlight info.

Take Advantage of Summer: Help Your Child Succeed with Extra Support
Get a head start before the school year begins and enroll your child in one of our programs. Find out if your child needs help with our symptom check list.
Symptom Checklist

S.M.A.R.T. Pre-K Workshops
July 6-8, 2026, Shoreview, MN,          July 14-16, 2026, Owatonna, MN,
July 21-23, 2026, Minneapolis, MN,   November 10-12, 2026, Minneapolis, MN.  REGISTER HERE

S.M.A.R.T. Elementary Workshops
July 14-16, 2026, Minneapolis, MN,     August 4-6, 2026, Altoona, WI, 
October 27-29, 2026, Minneapolis, MN,   REGISTER HERE  

S.M.A.R.T. Refresher
Wednesday, August 19th, 2026, 8:00am - 3:00pm Minneapolis, MN,     
Tuesday, October 20th, 2026, 8:00am - 3:00pm Minneapolis, MN, REGISTER HERE

​PTSD Isn’t Always Obvious — It Can Look Like This:

• Hypervigilance, anxiety, and constant fight-or-flight
• Big emotions, meltdowns, or shutdowns
• Sensory overload from noise, light, touch, or crowds
• Poor focus, memory, and processing difficulties
• Communication, speech, and social interaction challenges

Symptoms can often be supported by services that help regulate the nervous system, such as Occupational Therapy, Neurofeedback, and in our Neuro-Integrative clinic.

"Truly a Life-Changing Experience for Our Family"​Kimberly, a mom of four, found hope, healing, and lasting change for her family.
“Our experience has truly been life-changing,” she beams.
What started as support for her children transformed her entire family — even her spouse — creating a hopeful new future. Their journey celebrates how Bob's legacy of love continues to grow through our passionate staff and dedicated families.
Read More Life-Changing Stories

"ACTG Changed my Life and I'm Excited to Help Change
Someone Elses"
​​I spent a lot of time at A Chance To Grow when I was little but I had no idea how much all of it mattered. I was just a kid trying to get through hard things...
Now I’m 22, living a life my younger self never thought was possible.
And the craziest, most amazing part? I'm excited to donate and give back to the same place that once supported me during some of my toughest times.
Read Jayna's Story Here