Q
My child shows signs of both ADHD and CAPD. What's the best way to determine which one my child may have? Should I start with evaluation by an audiologist for CAPD? I had my child evaluated by the special education team at his school. I was told that his IQ and CELF scores were average and that he did not have a disability. I know there is something there, but they did not find it. I am pursuing the CAPD evaluation on my own.
A
I would probably start with the audiologist to check for Central Auditory Processing Disorders. Many times what looks like ADHD could be CAPD instead. For more information about CAPD identification and treatment, go to http://www.ldonline.org and do a search on the topic. There are several articles that should be helpful to you there.
If CAPD is not the problem, certainly pursue an ADHD evaluation. You can go to the website (http://www.chadd.org) of CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders) to see if there is a branch of this parent support group in your area. Someone there should be able to give you a referral for evaluation. Try to find someone who will do an observation at the school site as well as see your child in his office. ADHD behaviors are not always easily observed in a one-on-one office visit.