Which of the following best describes the communication challenges faced by someone with auditory processing disorder?

The correct choice highlights a fundamental aspect of auditory processing disorder (APD). Individuals with APD primarily struggle with the ability to understand spoken language due to difficulties in processing the auditory information they hear. This means they can hear sounds but may have trouble differentiating similar-sounding words, following verbal instructions, or comprehending conversations, particularly in noisy environments.

This difficulty does not typically stem from a problem with their hearing ability itself but rather from how the brain interprets auditory signals. Thus, the inability to understand spoken language is a core characteristic of auditory processing disorder.

The other options mention different types of communication issues. Problems with speech production may relate more to motor functions and planning rather than auditory processing capabilities. Reading comprehension challenges can occur, but these arise from various factors, including cognitive skills and background knowledge, not exclusively from an auditory processing disorder. Limited vocabulary pertains to the range of words an individual can use but is not a direct indicator of their ability to process auditory information.