Influence, education, and advocacy: the pediatric nurse's role in the evaluation and management of children with central auditory processing disorders.

PURPOSE: This discussion presents central auditory processing disorders to pediatric nurses who can influence decisions, educate parents and children, and advocate for children and families in the healthcare and educational settings.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurses' understanding of central auditory processing disorders and their signs and symptoms may help prevent misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis in the pediatric population.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The common indicators of central auditory processing disorders often mimic other childhood disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Testing for central auditory processing disorders is optimized when children are on the appropriate medication at the time of testing.