At age 2-1/2, I was diagnosed with a Central Auditory Processing Disorder. I could hear normally, but I could not process the information because my ears and brain didn’t fully sync together. Therefore, you can see my interest in that Charles Henry Turner had made huge discoveries in the early 1900’s with the smallest of insects being able to hear, yet my disorder in 1997 was considered rare and very misunderstood.
A lot of people thought I had ADHD. This confusion was a big challenge; I had a hard time learning how to speak, listening to teachers, reading, and talking with friends. I “acted out” a lot because I had a difficult time communicating.
Words like tangerine and a tambourine, bed and dead all sounded the same, yet an ant or cockroach could possibly distinguish a difference? How interesting and how amazing that this initial discovery was and how additional research since then has led to many new discoveries, diagnosis and treatments that possibly could have ultimately helped me. The early intervention program at my school district assist in my early diagnosis may never have come to be. I was part of early intervention program that helped me overcome my challenges and I believe that it contributed significantly to my success as a student today. This program provided the resources that made it possible for me to enter a regular kindergarten and to be in a normal classroom since. That wasn’t supposed to happen. I am an honor student, gold medalist baton twirler, a percussionist and trombone player too. That wasn’t supposed to happen either.
I am inspired that this son of a nurse and a church worker could go on to make such significant contributions. I am thankful that I am a daughter of a Medical Technician and a Church Secretary. I know that I will have the opportunity to make an impact too. I will continue to use Charles Henry Turner as my inspiration as I continue to share my story and to raise awareness regarding Auditory Processing Disorders during college and after graduation as a High School Teacher of Health and Physical Education.
It is just interesting to think when we see an insect making his way through life that we can thank Charles Henry Turner for this insight to their daily living.
Nicola Colucy