Current paediatric auditory processing disorder assessment and management practices implemented by speech-language therapists working in private pratices in Johannesburg, South Africa
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Date
2015-03-02
Authors
Lewis, Liane T
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Abstract
The number of children being diagnosed with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is increasing
and the lack of standardized assessment and management across speechlanguage
therapists
(SLT) in South Africa, as well as the lack of general consensus in defining and managing this
disorder globally, leaves open the possibility of adverse effects on a child’s education, selfesteem
and future (Musiek & Chermak, 2007). Due to this lack of consensus in defining and
implementing protocols in South Africa, assessment and management of children with APD is
not being optimized. The following research aimed to investigate the practices used by SLTs
regarding the assessment and management of children with APDs in Johannesburg, South Africa.
In this qualitative, explorative study, data collection comprised of interviews with ten English
speaking SLTs that worked within the private practice setting, with a minimum of one year’s
clinical experience in the area of APD assessment and management practices. Thematic analysis
of the information did cast light on patterns and procedures being used across SLTs; to provide
insight into the current assessment and management practices of SLTs working within a private
practice setting in Johannesburg, so as to inform and guide the development of more
standardized, culturally appropriate assessment and management practices and tools in South
Africa. This research identified the paucity of knowledge regarding the APD practices being
implemented by SLTs, internationally as well as within South Africa. Highlighted themes
included that most SLTs obtained their APD assessment and management practical knowledge
by observing other practicing SLTs and implementing selflearning,
as there was little or no
formal training on the topic of APD readily available on the completion of their degree. Another
observed theme highlighted that the tools used for the APD assessment and management were
not always appropriate for the South African population. There was also a lack of consensus
regarding the referral pathway for a child presenting with APD. This research study provides
insight into the assessment and management practices working within the private healthcare
sector in Johannesburg, South Africa, for future research to be built upon.
Key Words: paediatric auditory processing disorder, universal guidelines, assessment,
management, speechlanguage
therapists.
Description
Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology
School of Human and Community Development
Faculty of Humanities
University of the Witwatersrand
November 2014