Tests for Auditory Processing Disorders
Author: Lise’ D. DeLong, Ph.D
As a NeuroCognitive Specialist, I have come to realize many of the common characteristics
we attribute to ADHD, ADD, and nonspecific learning disabilities are frequently exacerbated
by Auditory Processing concerns. Although most of these disorders interface with one
another and share many common elements it is important to determine whether the attention
difficulties are particularly associated with cognitive, auditory or visual processing
deficits.
Therefore, I have found that by using of a variety of Auditory tests I can discern the
attention problems more specifically. Current tests, such as Scan-C for children or Scan-A
for adolescents and adults, or The Woodcock Test of Auditory Discrimination, are relatively
inexpensive and can help pinpoint whether problems with processing the information exist.
The Woodcock Test for Auditory Discrimination looks at whether the individual can discriminate
phonemes in the initial, medial or final position, in a quiet or noisy environment.
The Scan-C or Scan-A determines the processing of information using dichotic listening
techniques; isolated words in specific ears, figure-ground, competing words in both ears
or competing sentences simultaneously.
Another excellent test for a pre & post measurement for neurofeedback is an out of
print test called ITPA (Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities). This test is comprised
of several subtests, but there are four which I find extremely useful; Auditory Reception,
Auditory Association, Auditory Sequential Memory and Auditory Closure. Each of these
subtests measures a separate component of listening and attention skills.
Neurofeedback is an useful tool when working with Auditory Disorders. Through my graduate
research, I found that after twenty sessions of neurofeedback—coupled with the neurocognitive
activities described below—the experimental group had significant gains in Auditory Discrimination
in comparison with the control group (DeLong, 2002).
Management of CAPD
The management of CAPD can be addressed using several different methods. In her book,
Assessment and Management of Central Auditory Processing Disorders (1998), Teri James
Bellis describes the use of the following as a program for effective treatment.
Environmental Modifications
Compensatory Strategies
Remediation Activities
Auditory Closure
Missing Syllables
Missing Phonemes
Vocabulary Building
Prosody Training
Temporal Patterning Training
Interhemispheric Exercises
Compensatory Strategies
Examples of Auditory Processing Activities
Auditory Discrimination
Electronic Games:
Simon, Henry
Computer Games:
Earobics
Soundsmart
Soft Tools
Fast ForWord
Auditory Integration
Therapy
Books:
Listening Games,
Brain Calisthenics
Auditory Association
Board Games:
TriBond, Blurt, Think-
It-Link-It
Computer Games:
Scattergories, Parrot
Software
Books:
Listening Games
Brain Calisthenics
Thinking Goes to School
Auditory Reception
Board Games:
Mad Gab, Moods,
Cranium
Computer Games:
Soundsmart, Logical
Zoombines, Guess
Who, Parrot Software
Books:
Saying One Thing and
Meaning Another
Figurative Language
Auditory Sequential Memory
Electronic Games:
Simon, Henry,
Computer Games:
BrainBuilder, Earobics,
Soundsmart, Soft Tools,
Parrot Software
Books:
Listening Games
Brain Calisthenics
Listen & Recall
Auditory Processing:
Auditory Sequential Memory– the number of digits retained in working memory.
Auditory Discrimination– The ability to differentiate between frequency, rhythms, inflections
and intensity levels.
Auditory Association - The ability to connect auditory information with past knowledge
in a logical manner.
Auditory Reception - The ability to perceive the gestalt of the information being said
while in rapid conversation
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