Sp�te auditorische Potenziale (NC-ERP) bei Kindern mit Symptomen einer auditiven Verarbeitungs- und Wahrnehmungsst�rung

Auditive Verarbeitungs- und Wahrnehmungsstörungen

The consensus statement published by the German Society for Phoniatry and Paedaudiology in the year 2000 has been revised and actualized. The revised version takes into account current scientific and clinical findings. Aspects of the definition of auditory processing disorders (APD) are described extensively. These include symptoms, anamnestic information and diagnostic steps (preliminary examinations, subjective and objective audiological procedures). APD can appear in different forms, some of which can be classified within subtypes. Furthermore, factors which need to be considered in order to differentiate between APD and other diseases are specified. Therapeutic intervention possibilities which are rated according to their prognostic values conclude the article.

[Auditory processing disorder versus attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. A dysfunction complex or different entities?]

BACKGROUND

It has been suggested that auditory processing disorders (APD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) may be the same entity with slightly differing symptoms. For testing this theory we compared parents' ratings of APD and ADHD behavioural characteristics.

METHODS

A retrospective study was carried out with parents rating 312 children (113 girls and 199 boys; 6.0-9.11 years old, nonverbal intelligence IQ 95 or above) using APD and ADHD questionnaires.

RESULTS

Significant, albeit weak correlations between several APD and ADHD subscale scores were found. Correlations between selective listening and attention behaviours approximated clinical relevance (rho >0.4). Factor analysis revealed two factors with APD behaviour loading on one and ADHD behaviour on a second different factor. Using a categorical approach, it appears that ADHD children have significantly more APD problems than children without ADHD.

DISCUSSION

These data are consistent with the hypothesis that APD and ADHD overlap partly while still being distinct entities. In addition to dimensional aspects, the parents' rating may provide a guideline for establishing a diagnosis based on categorical distinctions.

Verbaler Lern- und Merkf�higkeitstest

BACKGROUND

The VLMT (auditory verbal learning and memory test) was constructed for use in children and adults. This study aimed at investigating the ecological validity in children.

METHODS

In a retrospective study, data from 384 children were investigated. Correlations between the VLMT and a newly developed questionnaire (AVWS-Q) probing auditory processing skills were calculated.

RESULTS

Significant albeit very weak correlations between VLMT items and AVWS-Q items were found.

DISCUSSION

Results indicate that VLMT performance cannot be predicted by the AVWS-Q (neither as a sum score nor as questions regarding memory skills alone). Either the ecological validity of the VLMT has to be considered poor or the AVWS-Q does not probe memory skills sufficiently.