A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was used to investigate the effects of methylphenidate (Ritalin) on tests of auditory processing in children diagnosed with both Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD). Thirty-two subjects received three Central Auditory Processing (CAP) tests and the Auditory Continuous Performance Test (ACPT), a measure of attention/impulsivity, at two separate test sessions: once when medicated with Ritalin and once when nonmedicated (placebo). Sixteen subjects were assigned randomly to receive their medication first and 16 to receive the placebo first. A counterbalanced 2 x 2 mixed factorial analysis of variance was conducted for each of the four dependent variables: Staggered Spondaic Word (SSW), Phonemic Synthesis (PS), Speech-in-Noise (SN), and ACPT measures. Analyses revealed that Ritalin did not have a significant effect on any of the three CAP measures. However, ACPT performance was significantly better (p < .000) for the Ritalin versus placebo condition.

Recent evidence suggests that children with relatively minor hearing impairments may be at a developmental disadvantage. A survey of over 42,000 students was conducted and children with unilateral hearing losses were identified on the basis of audiometric testing. A comparison of the standardized achievement test scores obtained by the unilateral hearers, using class and national norms with a sibling control group, yielded no significant differences although the hearing-impaired group scored lower on all subscales. There were sex differences observed, however, with male unilateral hearers performing significantly better than females on several subscales. Although the results indicate little educational disadvantage accompanying unilateral losses in this sample of children, in the absence of more definitive evidence, it would be prudent to consider a unilateral loss as a 'risk factor' for the production of developmental problems.

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Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) manifest behaviors strikingly similar to children with Auditory Processing Disorders (APD). Recent research suggests that these two disorders are often co-morbid, but can occur independently. The appropriate management of ADHD and APD is dependent upon a reliable and valid diagnosis using multiple sources of information and measures. The most effective evidence based approaches for these two disorders are reviewed with an emphasis on the importance of differential diagnosis.Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this article, the reader will understand (1) the assessment strategies and techniques that should be employed in order to accurately differentially diagnose ADHD and APD; (2) the lack of evidenced-based treatment approaches regarding the management of these two disorders; and (3) that ADHD and APD are two separate disorders, necessitating an interdisciplinary evaluation by both the audiologist and psychologist.orders, constitute a heterogeneous group with many co-morbid conditions, and present with strikingly similar symptoms of inattention, distractibility, hyperactivity, and poor listening skills. The appropriate management of a child necessitates accurate differential diagnosis.Children behave similarly for a variety of reasons and it is imperative that we remember that all that is hyper is not hyperactivity and all that is poor listening is not auditory processing dysfunction. Children with attention disorders, as well as children with auditory processing disDownloaded by: Wegner Health Science Information Center. Copyrighted material.

The results indicate that children with NVLD are at risk for APD and that there are several indicators on neuropsychological assessment suggestive of APD. Collaborative, interdisciplinary evaluation of children with learning disorders is needed in order to provide effective therapeutic interventions.