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Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD/APD)Definition: Broadly stated, (Central) Auditory Processing [(C)AP] refers to the efficiency and effectiveness by which the central nervous system (CNS) utilizes auditory information. Narrowly defined, (C)AP refers to the perceptual processing of auditory information in the CNS and the neurobiologic activity that underlies that processing and gives rise to electrophysiologic auditory potentials (ASHA, 2016).
the following abilities or skills: sound localization and lateralization; auditory discrimination; auditory pattern recognition; temporal aspects of audition, including temporal integration, temporal discrimination (e.g., temporal gap detection), temporal ordering, and temporal masking; auditory performance in competing acoustic signals (including dichotic listening); and auditory performance with degraded acoustic signals (ASHA, 1996; Bellis, 2003; Chermak & Musiek, 1997). |
Diagnosis |
(C)APD is an auditory deficit; therefore, the audiologist is the professional who diagnoses (C)APD (ASHA, 2002a,2004b). Consistent with the ASHA Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology statement, the SLP's role in (C)APD focuses on “collaborating in the assessment of (central) auditory processing disorders and providing intervention where there is evidence of speech, language, and/or other cognitive-communication disorders” (ASHA, 2001, p. 5).
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Treatment |
Treatment and management goals are determined on the basis of diagnostic test findings, the individual's case history, and related speech-language and psychoeducational assessment data, and should focus both on remediation of deficit skills and management of the disorder's impact on the individual. This is typically accomplished through three component approaches that are employed concurrently: direct skills remediation, compensatory strategies, and environmental modifications (ASHA, 2016).
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