Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) in Children

• Nicci Campbell, Professorial Fellow (Enterprise), University of Southampton
• Pauline Grant, Lead Educational Consultant at Listen to Learn
• Stuart Rosen, Professor of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University College London
• David R. Moore, Professor of Auditory Neuroscience, University of Manchester.

Affiliated Institution

Abstract/Introduction

This MESHGuide has been designed to provide an evidence-based overview of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) in children.  It offers a snapshot of the history of APD, how APD is defined, the different types of APD, how APD presents, the importance of a multi- or interdisciplinary approach, how to assess APD and finally practical guidance for managing APD in the classroom, at home and in everyday life.

The aim of the Guide is to provide those interested in APD with the most up-to-date research evidence, presented in an easily accessible way, and thereby promote excellence in the support and care provided to children with APD.  The Guide is structured to allow the reader to easily access the specific area they are interested in, providing links to some of the key publications and research.  It promotes a high standard of research and evidence-based care and encourages both international and multi-disciplinary collaboration

The intended audience includes:

Professionals with an interest or expertise in the areas of APD, hearing, listening, language and learning difficulties.  This may include, but is not limited to teachers, Teachers of the Deaf, special education teachers and coordinators, Educational Audiologists, Audiologists, Speech-and Language Therapists, Educational Psychologists, Otolaryngologists, Paediatricians and General Practitioners.

This Guide may be of particular interest to Teachers of the Deaf, who support children with hearing impairment in the UK.  Their expertise is equally beneficial and easily transferable to those with APD, i.e. recommendations for improving the listening environment and technology such as assistive devices.  This MESHGuide was initiated by Ann Underwood on behalf of the BATOD Foundation.

Funders and government bodies (medical and educational) to provide evidence-based information about APD.

Parents, children/adults with APD and the general public to inform and empower them in their understanding of the topic and decision-making.

The ‘Practical handouts’ section provides useful tips and practical information.

Evidence

Strength of evidence  This MESHGuide has a strong research evidence focus. It provides a critical review of current evidence. Against this background recommendations are made for both assessment and intervention.

Editor’s comments  This Guide may be of particular interest to Teachers of the Deaf, who support children with hearing impairment in the UK but do not normally support those with APD.  Their expertise is equally beneficial and easily transferable to those with APD, i.e. recommendations for improving the listening environment and technology such as assistive devices.

Areas for further research  As outlined in the MESHGuide further ongoing research is necessary to ensure a high standard of evidence-based care and support for children with APD, and their families

Transferability  This MESHGuide has high transferability. It promotes a high standard of research and evidence-based care and encourages international and multi-disciplinary collaboration.

The general link for the MESH online communities is http://www.khub.net/meshconnect. To create your own MESHGuide community email editorialteam@meshguides.org .