Disorders often confused with CAPD:

• ADHD/ADD
• Autism
• Asperger's Syndrome
• Language Processing Disorder
• Dyslexia

Tests Performed to Detect CAPD

There are no specific-measure tests, like an MRI or blood test, which can detect the presence of CAPD. In order to determine if a person has CAPD, a series of tests must be administered by an audiologist. These test rule in or rule out specific auditory processing abilities. Only the entire series of tests can give the correct picture of the auditory processing system for an individual. Then the audiologist can make a diagnosis.

There are four types of tests that audiologist will use:

• HEARING: The first tests will be basic hearing tests to rule out any hearing loss. This is especially important for children since an estimated 11% of school-age children suffer from some form of hearing loss.
• NEUROLOGIC: The second group of tests measure how well the brain responds to various sounds. The technical term is Electrophysiologic tests. Administering these tests involves the use of electrodes, which measure brain response to sound stimuli.
• BEHAVIORAL: The third group of tests are considered behavioral tests. They involve presenting spoken information with portions of the words purposely missing. A person without CAPD can fill in the gaps and understand what is said, while an individual with CAPD cannot.
• DICHOTIC: The fourth group of tests are called dichotic speech tests. These involve presenting specific numbers or words alternatively in each ear, and the patient must repeat all that has been said in both ears.

Diagnosing children under age 7

The general consensus among audiologists is that it is not possible to diagnose a child under the age of 7. The reasons sited are usually

• lack of maturity in the neurology of the auditory system
• lack of maturity in the child's ability to sit still and cooperate with testing
• Norms for tests are usually for 7 years and older

The truth is the auditory system does not fully mature until the age of 12, which is really the only point that a definitive diagnosis can be given. Also, some children under the age of 7 are capable of cooperating with the tests that are required, so it doesn't make sense to draw a line in the sand based on a generalization. School districts generally have strict adherance to the 7 and over guideline. But by that age children have definitely lost a year of kindergarten, maybe even first grade, and their self-esteem has already been severely effected by their listening challenges.

There are a subset of audiologists who believe children as young as 5 can be tested and diagnosed with CAPD. They do have tests that are normed down to 5, so they are able to administer them with appropriate comparison data. In some cases the diagnosis may be  cautionary (i.e. it looks like ADP, but testing at an older age will say for sure) because the child really isn't capable of participating fully.

If a parent feels strongly about having tests done before age 7, they should seek out an audiologist who has experience in this age group. Having the testing done may not give a definitive diagnosis, but it will at least give an indication of the probability of CAPD, and the audiologist can recommend classroom accommodations based on these results. In our Resources Directory we have a section for audiologists who diagnose under age 7.

Find an audiologist with a CAPD specialty

Many audiologists are not trained in the area of CAPD. It takes many years of studying and assessments to recognize the patterns that are exhibited by an individual with CAPD. While there are several screening tests that any audiologist could perform, it is essential for a definitive diagnosis that you find an audiologist who specializes in assessing and diagnosing CAPD.

At CAPDsupport we have a directory of audiologists who specialize in CAPD diagnosis.