OT diagnosing "auditory processing issues"?

[Anonymous]

Our OT just informed me that our son has auditory processing issues (he is 3). I do not think she is qualified to make that assessment or that it is even possible to diagnose such a thing at this age. Any thoughts?

[Anonymous]

I think it would have been appropriate for her to refer you to a SLP and tell you her concerns, but I agree with you that an actual diagnosis was inappropriate. Do you otherwise like her?

[Anonymous]

I don't dislike them but it is tough because my son goes twice a week while we are working (so with nanny), and there is really just no feedback/input. My understanding is that it is pretty hard to diagnose auditory processing and can't be done until later. I think what they are really saying is he does not follow directions which would be either a ADHD or a receptive delay issue. There is an SLP in the room too, and I have no idea what her thoughts are because it is tough to get them to update me via email. When I do go, they are vague and talk about "some progress". Time to look into a new team I think.

[Anonymous]

Actually according to ASHA, an audiologist would be the specialist to diagnose this. This article is a good summary http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/Understanding-Auditory-Processing-Disorders-in-Children/

[Anonymous]

Right, that is what I understood, that an audiologist needed to be involved. I often feel like OTs just toss around big words and use them interchangeably. It is very frustrating.

[Anonymous]

The issues can go hand in hand so yes consult a speech therapist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The issues can go hand in hand so yes consult a speech therapist.

Yeah, there is one there, but not even an SLP can diagnose such a thing, or should not be, particularly in a 3 year old.

[Anonymous]

Op, I would get it checked out, though. When my daughter was that age, her preschool teacher kept insisting she was partially deaf--would not hear words, would mishear words (pig for pink, etc), and would have trouble understanding if lips were not visible. I had her hearing checked repeatedly and they never found any problems, but no one ever mentioned the possibilit of auditory processing. 6 years later and I still see issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The issues can go hand in hand so yes consult a speech therapist.

Yeah, there is one there, but not even an SLP can diagnose such a thing, or should not be, particularly in a 3 year old.

Yes, they can as can a developmental pediatrician.

From the ASHA link: A multidisciplinary team approach is critical to fully assess and understand the cluster of problems exhibited by children with APD. Thus, a teacher or educational diagnostician may shed light on academic difficulties; a psychologist may evaluate cognitive functioning in a variety of different areas; a speech-language pathologist may investigate written and oral language, speech, and related capabilities; and so forth. Some of these professionals may actually use test tools that incorporate the terms "auditory processing" or "auditory perception..."

I don't think APD is even listed in the latest DSM.

An OT shouldn't be handing out official diagnoses of anything, she can share her observations to you and recommend you follow up with the appropriate professionals.

Was it an act of omission or co-mission, OP? Was she trying to give you a diagnosis or was she being inarticulate in sharing her thoughts.

[Anonymous]

Did she say auditory processing or sensory processing?

[Anonymous]

OP here - she said auditory processing. Of course, I want to know if it is indeed a concern and will ask our dev ped. What kind of therapy would we do for that?

[Anonymous]

Receptive language issues can mimic other issues, which include autism and OT issues. If this is through the school system, I'd get a private opinion. Our OT through our insurance kept saying our child had sensory and other issues. OT was a complete waste of time. Our child had severe MERLD and as the receptive came, all the other stuff finally came too.

[Anonymous]

No qualified for a diagnosis but certainly qualified to raise the issue. Don't shoot the messenger -- follow up and keep moving. Ego is the enemy here -- cast it aside.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The issues can go hand in hand so yes consult a speech therapist.

Yeah, there is one there, but not even an SLP can diagnose such a thing, or should not be, particularly in a 3 year old.

Yes, they can as can a developmental pediatrician.

From the ASHA link: A multidisciplinary team approach is critical to fully assess and understand the cluster of problems exhibited by children with APD. Thus, a teacher or educational diagnostician may shed light on academic difficulties; a psychologist may evaluate cognitive functioning in a variety of different areas; a speech-language pathologist may investigate written and oral language, speech, and related capabilities; and so forth. Some of these professionals may actually use test tools that incorporate the terms "auditory processing" or "auditory perception..."

I don't think APD is even listed in the latest DSM.

An OT shouldn't be handing out official diagnoses of anything, she can share her observations to you and recommend you follow up with the appropriate professionals.

Was it an act of omission or co-mission, OP? Was she trying to give you a diagnosis or was she being inarticulate in sharing her thoughts.

This says to me that various individuals are needed to fully assess the impact of the condition, not the condition itself. I'd definitely go with a qualified audiologist to diagnose. Treatment is usually in the hands of an SLP. That said, the possibility of APD could be credibly raised by any number of specialists.

[Anonymous]

we went to an audiologist at Johns Hopkins for special testing. I'm pretty sure they told us that a child needed to be older (6ish) to be diagnosed.