P-09 Executive functioning as a Predictor of Auditory Processing in Individuals Diagnosed with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Buller Hall Hallways

Research is emerging about executive function and its role in audiological processing abilities. This pilot study sought to investigate the influence of executive function on auditory processing in autistic individuals. Specifically, the study sought to explore the relationship between observer-reported daily behaviors related to central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) and executive functioning, in (N=32) adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Data was collected using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function – second edition and the Auditory Processing Domains Questionnaire (APDQ). A regression analysis was conducted with executive function and auditory processing as independent and dependent variables respectively. Findings revealed a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.44) between executive function and auditory processing, with executive function (p≤0.05) was shown to be a statistically significant predictor of auditory processing abilities in autistic adolescents. Overall, findings reveal that improved in executive functioning is associated with improvement in auditory processing, and contribute to the expansion of current conceptualizations of CAPD specific to co-occurring ASD.