The Latest Diagnostic Criteria for APD: What You Need to Know
There are no standardised criteria for assessing an auditory processing disorder (APD). In Australia, Audiology Australia (AudA), the professional body for Audiologists, has developed minimum competencies an Audiologist needs to satisfy when assessing and remediating for auditory processing difficulties.
The following are some common elements involved in the assessment and diagnostic process for APD.
Behavioural Observation, Case History
Information about the individual’s developmental history, related medical conditions, academic performance are used to help gain a comprehensive understanding of the individuals’ strengths and weaknesses in relation to their auditory processing abilities. This can be supplemented with questionnaires comparing school performance with that at home. Clinical observations also contribute to this process.
Comprehensive Audiological Evaluation
Following a peripheral hearing test and tympanometry, an assessment may include a series of tasks looking at different areas of auditory processing skills, such as speech perception, auditory discrimination, temporal processing and auditory memory.
Standardised Tests
Various standardised tests may be used to assess the mentioned areas of auditory processing skills. These tests may include Dichotic Listening Test, Frequency Pattern Test, Low Pass Filtered Speech among others.
Assessment of Listening Skills
Evaluation of the individual’s ability to listen and understand speech in different environments such as quiet and noisy environments and when there is competing information.
APD Diagnosis Process
The is no single definitive test to diagnose an APD. Most commonly, individuals are reported as having areas of auditory weakness and then remediated for those. It is also important to rule out or acknowledge the concomitant effects of other conditions that have similar symptoms to auditory processing difficulties, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), language disorders and/or memory issues.
Multidisciplinary Approach
Once auditory processing difficulties have been diagnosed, other professionals have a role to play and collaboration is encouraged. This may include speech pathologists, pediatricians, psychologists, occupational therapists, behavioural optometrists and teachers.
The area of auditory processing diagnosis is complex and variable. It is important that when seeking an assessment that you consult an audiologist who specialises in auditory processing.