Case Study of Auditory Processing Disorders
Children with learning disorders may have difficulty understanding language or putting words together to make sense. During the early speech and language years, the child is in the favorable auditory environment of the home and only experiences little auditory confusion as the child is starting to learn language and develop articulation skills. However, when the child starts school or enters other environments that exercise his auditory system to a greater degree, the child may begin to experience difficulty understanding verbal messages. Due to children's difficulties in different environments, there is a notion that some children have been misplaced in special education because of misdiagnoses. Additionally, the number of African Americans placed in special education is alarming. This research will look at standardized tests and question whether the norms are set appropriately for all children who are evaluated. Additionally, this research study will look further into standardized examinations and incorporate a case study that observes the process of an African American school aged male, Khari Smith, who resides in Central Illinois. This child has been diagnosed with a central auditory processing disorder (CAPD), and he has been administered the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals- Revised (CELF-R). The case study will include observation of this child being administered the test as demonstrated on a previously recorded tape. The purpose of this research is to find out if the CELF-R is an effective measure of auditory processing difficulties. The CELF-R has been effective in identifying CAPD in the participant, Khari Smith. The CELF-R has been able to pin point specific problem areas and this has allowed Khari to seek proper treatment to improve his learning. After only four months of treatment, Khari has made major improvements in his behavior in addition to his academics.
School:
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Department:
Speech Communication
Research Advisor:
Adele Proctor
Department of Research Advisor:
Speech and Hearing Science
Year of Publication:
2003