Applicability of central auditory processing disorder models.
OBJECTIVE
Central auditory processing disorder ([C]APD) is a relatively recent construct that has given rise to 2 theoretical models: the Buffalo Model and the Bellis/Ferre Model. These models describe 4 and 5 (C)APD categories, respectively. The present study examines the applicability of these models to clinical practice. Neither of these models was based on data from peer-reviewed sources.


METHODS
This is a retrospective study that reviewed 178 records of children diagnosed with (C)APD, of which 48 were retained for analysis.


RESULTS
More than 80% of the children could be classified into one of the Buffalo Model categories, while more than 90% remained unclassified under the Bellis/Ferre Model. This discrepancy can be explained by the fact that the classification of the Buffalo Model is based primarily on a single central auditory test (Staggered Spondaic Word), whereas the Bellis/Ferre Model classification uses a combination of auditory test results.


CONCLUSIONS
The 2 models provide a conceptual framework for (C)APD, but they must be further refined to be fully applicable in clinical settings.
School of Speech Pathology and Audiology, University of Montreal, Sainte-Justine Hospital Pediatric Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. benoit.jutras@umontreal.ca
Benoît
B
Jutras
Monique
M
Loubert
Jean-Luc
JL
Dupuis
Caroline
C
Marcoux
Véronique
V
Dumont
Michèle
M
Baril
D001298:Audiology / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007805:Language Development Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies