Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD)

Question: My son was recently diagnosed with Central Auditory Processing Disorder, and then a couple of months after that diagnosis, he was diagnosed with CdLS. His school speech therapist is telling us that the two diagnoses are not related to each other, and CAPD is not an educational disability. My question is, are the 2 dx related, and are there any resources you can suggest that support this? What is the most effective way to help our child’s education?

Answer: The short answer is that CAPD is not a separate category of educational disability but is typically categorized under “Specific Learning Disability” or “Other Health Impairment.”
Are CAPD and CdLS related? That is a more complex question, and I’m interested in hearing other responses. I have not read any specific research directly linking the two. However, CAPD is frequently seen in ASD, and ASD is commonly seen in CdLS. Regarding particular resources and how to advocate? I’d need additional information, including whether he currently has an IEP, and concerns related to CAPD that are not being addressed in services/goals/accommodations.

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