The role of the speech-language pathologist in identifying and treating children with auditory processing disorder.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this prologue is to provide a historical perspective regarding the controversial issues surrounding auditory processing disorder (APD), as well as a summary of the current issues and perspectives that will be discussed in the articles in this forum.

METHOD

An evidence-based systematic review was conducted to examine treatment efficacy data in regard to APD, with inconclusive results. The review raised several issues and highlighted the differences in how various professionals approach APD. Consequently, experts who were members of an ad hoc American Speech-Language-Hearing Association committee charged with delineating the role of the speech-language pathologist in addressing APD attempted to describe in more detail their individual author perspectives on the topic.

CONCLUSION

Despite concerted efforts by researchers and clinical professionals, minimal concrete evidence is available to guide practicing professionals responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of APD. The role of the speech-language pathologist in diagnosing and treating APD remains under discussion, with varying perspectives advocated by individuals based on their research and clinical experience.