Phonol ogical speech disorders are characterized by abnormal development towards the adult target pattern; its etiology is unknown. It is thought the this condition results from auditory processing disorders involving the abilities required for human beings to understand what is heard. Aim: To investigate the relationship between auditory processing and the acquisition of disordered or normal speech, drawing comparisons between these profiles. Material and Method: A prospective, contemporary,

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... oss-sectional study comprising a sample of 44 subjects aged 5 to 7 years; two groups were formed: a study group (SG) comprising children with disordered speech acquisition, and a control group (CG) consisting of children with normal speech acquisition. A simplified evaluation of auditory processing was undertaken: the PSI test in Portuguese; the speech-in-noise test; the binaural fusion test; the dichotic digit test; and the staggered spondaic word test (SSW). Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups; the SG scored worse than the CG in all the tests. The PSI test only -with a 100% success rate -scored equally in both groups. Conclusion: Auditory processing may affect speech development.