ABSTRACT
The ultimate goal of screening and diagnostic assessment for auditory processing disorder (APD) is to determine an effective management strategy. The effectiveness and precision of treatment for APD is directly related to the specificity and accuracy of the diagnosis. Historically, confusion and vagueness in the definition and diagnosis of APD was associated with scattered management approaches with unproven or, at best, questionable therapeutic value. Although embraced by some audiologists and speech-language pathologists, the outcome of these often broad-based and rather generic management methods was not supported by any evidence. In this article, we review the evolution of APD management from the two distinct professional perspectives of audiology and speech-language pathology. Linkages between current treatment options and earlier management techniques are emphasized. The goal of this brief review is to provide the reader with a better understanding of the precursors to diverse conventional and computer-mediated therapeutic techniques that are now available.
KEYWORDS
Auditory processing disorder - history - management
