Abstract:

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to investigate the prevalence of individuals with central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) among children with neurodevelopmental disorder, to establish whether there is an objective screening test parameter that identifies individuals with neurodevelopmental disorder without CAPD, and to scan the history of these individuals for a unique feature. METHODS: The study included 94 patients (69 males, 25 females; mean age 8.5±1.2 years; range, 7 to 13 years) with specific learning disorder (SLD) and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). After assessment by child and adolescent psychiatry, the Staggered Spondaic Word (SSW) test was performed in addition to a full audiologic evaluation. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients (27.2%) with SLD and/or ADHD had CAPD according to SSW criteria. Twenty-eight patients had SLD, 27 had ADHD, and 39 had mixed-type neurodevelopmental disorder. Central auditory processing disorder rate was significantly higher in the mixed group than in the ADHD group (p<0.05). There was a significant relationship between term birth and the absence of CAPD. Auditory Brainstem Response test revealed a significant correlation between the III-V wave interval evaluation in the left ear and CAPD frequency. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of patients with SLD and/or ADHD in this study had CAPD. Patients with mixed-type neurodevelopmental disorder in particular were at risk for CAPD. Success of rehabilitation may increase if combined with CAPD-specific programs.

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