Exploring the relation between the central auditory processing functions and language development among Arabic-speaking children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

Background Debate still exists on the effect of central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) on the language of children with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to explore the deficits of the central auditory processing (CAP) functions and their relation to language development and ADHD symptoms in 30 Egyptian Arabic-speaking children with ADHD between 4 and ≤ 7 years old. ADHD symptoms were rated by Conners’ Parent Rating Scale–Revised. Language development was assessed by the Modified Pre-school Language Scale (PLS) 4th edition, the Arabic version, and the Egyptian Arabic Pragmatic Language Test. CAP functions were tested by the Pediatric Speech Intelligibility (PSI) test (Arabic version). Results Sixty percent of the ADHD children had comorbid CAPD with predominance among ADHD children of combined type. There was a significant positive correlation between all PSI subtests assessing the monotonic auditory closure and dichotic auditory separation abilities in both ears and the language ages by the modified PLS-4. There was also a significant positive correlation between scores of the Egyptian Arabic Pragmatic Language Test (EAPLT) and the monotonic auditory closure ability in both ears and auditory separation ability in the right ear only.There was a non-significant mild difference in scores of the modified PLS-4 in favor of the ADHD children with normal CAP functions. Conclusion Not all children with ADHD have central auditory processing disorder as both ADHD and CAPD are independent disorders. Better central auditory processing functions are associated with well-developed language and higher pragmatic skills in ADHD children.