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Auditory Processing Disorders (APD)

Some Considerations and a List of Resources
Only a qualified and competent audiologist in a controlled setting can determine the presence and specific type of auditory processing disorder your child may have.

Once the audiologist confirms the diagnosis and identifies deficits, a  speech-language pathologist (SLP) assesses and treats associated language problems, learning deficits and other contributing factors. 

Intervention may focus on improving associated receptive- and expressive-language skills in various modalities, strengthening learning and academic skills and may also target improvement of the listening/learning environment.  A multidisciplinary team-oriented approach is best, relying upon collaboration with other team members to include parents, educators, physicans and pediatric neuropsychologists.  Multidisciplinary team cooperation is often crucial to success.

No two APD presentations are exactly the same.  Therefore, all interventions should be tailored to the needs of the individual through thorough planning, appropriately and creatively targeting skills and addressing deficits on a case-by-case basis. 

Methods Found on the Web
It is important to note that, according to the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) there is little peer-reviewed scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of audio-training programs which use an "Audiokinetron" or that play musical compact discs (CDs) ("Auditory Integration Training" and "The Listening Program" are two examples.  Please see link at the bottom of this page).

The use of phonlogically-focused and language-based programs such as Lindamood-Bell and Earobics have shown efficacy, especially when overseen by a qualified SLP and used as part of an overall team-focused treatment approach.  However, such programs are not appropriate in all cases, and therefore, readers are advised to consult an experienced specialist.

Resources
American Speech-Language and Hearing Association website describing APD:
http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/disorders/understand-apd-child.htm

An excellent APD information website by an expert in the field (Dr. Gertner is an authority on APD and writes a great report with functional recommendations.  He can be contacted through the link, below):
http://www.homestead.com/agertner/HOMEPAGE.html

ASHA's position statement on the role of the audiologist:
http://www.asha.org/docs/html/PS2005-00114.html

Contact info for audiologists who claim to specialize in APD:
(Prospective clients may wish to interview a number of audiologists and obtain a number of price quotes before finally deciding.  Specialists may also be found or verified through the ASHA website at the top of this page.)

NJ: http://pages.cthome.net/cbristol/capd-nj.html

PA: http://pages.cthome.net/cbristol/capd-pa.html

MD: http://pages.cthome.net/cbristol/capd-md.html

NY: http://pages.cthome.net/cbristol/capd-ny.html

ASHA's position statement on Auditory Integration Training (AIT):
http://www.asha.org/docs/html/PS2004-00218.html

Read this before you allow someone to treat your child using AIT or other auditory program:
http://www.asha.org/docs/html/TR2004-00260.html

An excellent analysis and explanation of issues regarding controversial treatments found on the Web (such as Auditory Integration Training, Auditory Verbal Therapy, Fast ForWord, The Listening Program, Speech Easy and Vital Stim) published in the Journal of the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association:
http://www.txsha.org/_pdf/TEJAS/2007/06%20Controversial%20Treatments.pdf

Rights and responsibilities of parents of children with disabilities:
http://www.ldanatl.org/aboutld/parents/special_ed/rights.asp

What the President's 2008 Budget means to our childrens' education:
http://www.ldaamerica.us/legislative/nfw/07feb.asp

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