ABSTRACT
For over three decades, the concept of central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) has been a lightning rod for controversy. Controversial issues have been explored from a variety of perspectives ranging from whether or not this disorder actually exists to what might be the best evaluation instruments and potential treatments (e.g., Rees, 1973, 1981; Cacace & McFarland, 1995, 1998; Watson, 1994; Jerger, 1998). In this chapter, we discuss controversial issues from a psychometric perspective. We consider the rationale for evaluating auditory specific perceptual deficits in school-aged children and focus on the reliability and validity of available tests. Treatment is probably the least studied area and one worthy of critical examination. Ethical concerns naturally follow, particularly when treatments are advocated based on limited data, unsubstantiated models, or theories that have questionable support or validity. Even the terms used to characterize this disorder are not agreed upon and/or are under flux (CAPD vs. APD). Therefore, our overall intent is to examine areas of concern, attempt to clarify pertinent issues, encourage debate, and take the optimistic position that this information will lead to a better understanding of contentious domains.
