Auditory pathways and processes: implications for neuropsychological assessment and diagnosis of children and adolescents

Child Neuropsychol. 2010;16(6):521-48. doi: 10.1080/09297041003783310. Epub 2010 Sep 29.

Abstract

Neuroscience research on auditory processing pathways and their behavioral and electrophysiological correlates has taken place largely outside the field of clinical neuropsychology. Deviations and disruptions in auditory pathways in children and adolescents result in a well-documented range of developmental and learning impairments frequently referred for neuropsychological evaluation. This review is an introduction to research from the last decade. It describes auditory cortical and subcortical pathways and processes and relates recent research to specific conditions and questions neuropsychologists commonly encounter. Auditory processing disorders' comorbidity with ADHD and language-based disorders and research addressing the challenges of assessment and differential diagnosis are discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / diagnosis
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / physiopathology*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology
  • Auditory Cortex / physiopathology*
  • Auditory Pathways / physiopathology*
  • Auditory Perceptual Disorders / diagnosis
  • Auditory Perceptual Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Auditory Perceptual Disorders / psychology
  • Child
  • Comorbidity
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Evoked Potentials
  • Evoked Potentials, Auditory
  • Humans
  • Language Disorders / diagnosis
  • Language Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Language Disorders / psychology
  • Learning Disabilities / diagnosis
  • Learning Disabilities / physiopathology*
  • Learning Disabilities / psychology
  • Neuropsychological Tests