Treatment for central auditory processing disorders - Clinical decision-making in the assessment and intervention of central auditory processing disorders

Central auditory processing disorders (CAPDs), are fraught with problems ar ising from confusion concerning the clinical evidence of the disorder. A ma jor controversy revolves around characterizing the disorder as unique clust er of behaviors reflecting impairment in some underlying mechanism(s) or as a disorder defined on the basis of performance on a set of tests. This art icle reviews some recent developments in auditory processing research and c onsiders the role of the speech-language pathologist in evaluating and trea ting children with suspected auditory processing problems. Particular atten tion is given to clinical criteria, including characteristics of the popula tion, assessment, and intervention considerations. Areas for clinical cauti on are highlighted.