Validity of the Multiple Auditory Processing Assessment-2: A Test of Auditory Processing Disorder

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) presents diagnostic challenges.
• The Multiple Auditory Processing Assessment-2 (MAPA-2) is a recent tool for auditory processing assessment.
• Existing research supports the need for validated tools to diagnose APD and related listening difficulties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the reliability and validity of the MAPA-2.
• To support the construct of auditory processing disorder (APD) using MAPA-2 data.
• To assess the diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity and specificity) of the MAPA-2 for APD.

Main Methods:

• Utilized normative data from 748 children (ages 7-14) for MAPA-2 reliability and validity analysis.
• Examined diagnostic accuracy using American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) criteria for APD.
• Included validated parent and school personnel questionnaire responses for functional measures.

Main Results:

• MAPA-2 demonstrated satisfactory reliability and validity.
• Diagnostic accuracy for APD yielded 89% sensitivity and 82% specificity.
• Children with learning disability (LD), ADHD, and SLI showed high prevalence (52-65%) of APD-type listening problems.

Conclusions:

• The MAPA-2 provides strong evidence for the construct of APD.
• Audiologists and speech-language pathologists can effectively administer the MAPA-2.
• Findings support the MAPA-2's utility in identifying listening problems in children with comorbidities.