How Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a.k.a. Attention Deficit Disorder, differs from Learning Disorders
A common misconception about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), also known as attention deficit disorder (ADD), is that it is a learning disability. Confusion about the two occur because ADHD can affect learning and because as many as thirty percent of people with ADHD also have a learning disability. However, there is a difference.
A student with a learning disability has a deficit in one or two areas while performing at or above average in other areas. For example, a student with a reading disability will usually have no trouble with math unless they have a disability in that area. In schools, students are diagnosed with a learning disability when there is a significant discrepancy between their IQ and performance on achievement tests. These tests are usually given by the school psychologist and are different from the standardized tests that are given to the entire school.
In contrast, ADHD affects learning globally and compromises all cognitive functions, rather than just one or two. This is not measurable on tests, unless the tests were given incorrectly (for example, if the tests were done while the student was distracted). Although learning disabilities are diagnosed by the school system, ADHD cannot be. ADHD is a medical condition and the diagnosis can only be made by medical professionals.
The best explanation of the differences between the two I have found is this: Imagine the "normal" brain as a room with all the lights on. A learning disability will turn off one or two of the lamps in the room, leaving some areas dark while others are still bright. However, ADHD dims all the lights in the room; it affects the person all the time not just when they performing specific cognitive functions (like reading). A student with both ADHD and a learning disability will have the lights dim throughout the room, with one or two areas significantly darker.
In my opinion, students with ADHD should always be screened for learning disabilities, if for no other reason that an undiagnosed learning disability can mimic the symptoms of ADHD. Knowing what exactly is going on is essential in order to decide on an effective course of action. If your student has been diagnosed with ADHD and you suspect they also have a learning disorder, contact your school system and request that they be evaluated.
Note: For the purposes of this article, I am using the term ADHD, otherwise known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, to refer to the all three subtypes of the condition.
The copyright of the article ADHD and Learning Disabilities in ADD/ADHD is owned by Darcy Andries. Permission to republish ADHD and Learning Disabilities must be granted by the author in writing.
Comments
Sep 17, 2006 10:03 PM
Amy Bane
:
I have a high school freshman that attended a catholic grammar school. In high school she is struggling with Algebra and the concept is not sinking in at all... Algebra is required to graduate and I don't know how her or I are going to get through it... It actually gives me anxiety
In fifth grade I seen she was starting to have problems, I had her tested in the public school but they said she wasn’t bad enough to get help..
I took her to the doctor in 8th grade and she was diagnosed with ADHD but is not hyper at all. The medicine helps her focus. WE are finally having her tested by a Neurobehavioral Doctor Nov. 1st …
I am at my wits end on what other options there are for me…. It’s lonely when you look for help!
Can someone help?
Sep 19, 2006 4:45 PM
Darcy Andries
:
Hi Amy,
If you haven't had her tested again for a learning disability, request it. She may not have been severe enough when she was in the 5th grade, but she could be now. That would give you options at school. Be sure to put the request in writing and find out who is in charge of the special education department. That way you can follow up your letter with a phone call.
If she doesn't have a learning disability in math, she could just have a hard time. It doesn't sound ADHD related to me, especially since she's having success with the medication.
Darcy Andries
Sep 21, 2006 8:31 AM
Marie
:
Did you ever consider using alternative solutions, like Omega 3. I red some studies and I think it can be helpful. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder had fewer symptoms when they took supplement of essential fatty acids. Parents reported the children to have fewer conduct problems and teachers reported the children to have better attention.
Best, Marie
Sep 21, 2006 2:18 PM
Darcy Andries
:
Marie,
I had to remove the link you posted because it links to a product and not just information. If you'd like to summarize the information and post it here, that would be fine.
Darcy
Sep 22, 2006 11:37 AM
Marie
:
I am sorry! Maybe I will copy and paste some info without the links to the website source.
Oct 9, 2006 9:30 AM
Janie Harris
:
I have a daughter diagnosed ADD at 7 years old. She begged me not to take meds because even the lowest dose made her head hurt. The doctors were not happy with her father and I. She is now 23 and in college. She never could pass exit test required to graduate (she was exempt) but still needed to pass college entrance exam. Although she worked hard to be mainstreamed in middle and high school subjects, she never took an Algebra class. Of course for college she needs at least college algrebra and she is so lost. I don't know how to help her anymore. I have tried locating a tutor but I am having problems in that area as well. Just because someone knows/understands algebra does not mean they can teach someone else.
Any suggestions?
Oct 28, 2006 6:00 PM
Carolyn Chambers Clark
:
Help is here. Take a few deep breaths and let's work through this...
Is your daughter doing well in other courses? If so, then it's probably a math thing. Remember, not everyone likes or does well at math.
When I was in high school, I couldn't get geometry and my best friend didn't get algebra. We were each other's tutors and both got A's in both.
Think about getting her a tutor---someone who's doing well in algebra or got a good grade in the course. Make sure the person is patient and encouraging.
Suggest you purchase a relaxation tape. You can get them at bookstores or online (do a search). Listen to it at least 3 times a day with your daughter. Meals is a good time. It helps with digestion and calms everybody down.
Let me know what happens.
All Best,
Carolyn Chambers Clark, RN, MS, EdD ADD/ADHD at Suite 101
Oct 28, 2006 6:08 PM
Carolyn Chambers Clark
:
You are so right that just because you know math doesn't mean you can teach it.
Does your daughter get anxious about learning math? It she does, you might do better engaging a mental health nurse who can teach her to relax, use imagery to learn, and keep focused on learning. Look in the yellow pages of your phone book. If you live near or in a town with a university with a nursing department, consult them about a nurse practitioner or nurse clinician with mental health counseling skills. A psychologist might work too, but would be much more expensive unless you have insurance coverage. Since she has the diagnosis, health insurance should cover at least a few sessions. After that, the nurse can help her find a tutor, possibly even a grad student in the nursing department.
