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ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-8012-6539
Date of Graduation
5-9-2024
Semester of Graduation
Spring
Degree Name
Doctor of Audiology (AuD)
Department
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
First Advisor
Lincoln Gray
Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an executive functioning disorder which can be difficult to diagnose. The current diagnosis process relies on observations and subjective reports, resulting in individuals being misdiagnosed or have delays in receiving a proper diagnosis. Differences in auditory processing have been observed between neurotypical (NT) and ADHD individuals via neurophysiological measures, so this study aims to see if those differences can be translated into objectively measurable differences in more cost-effective behavioral measures.
While seated in front of an array of speakers, NT and ADHD participants were asked to listen for verbal directions to complete a task with simultaneous distracting speech playing. By looking at variability in performance between different testing conditions, this quick 10-minute task was able to identify individuals with ADHD with a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 63%. This study shows the viability of behavioral auditory processing assessments to be included as an objective measurement in the diagnosis of ADHD.
