Understanding ADHD and Learning Disabilities

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Learning Disabilities (LD), share common ground in the struggles they pose to individuals, particularly with academic difficulties, social interactions, work environments and overall health. There are some overlapping symptoms and the effect of both can be profound, however it is essential to differ between the two. Our psychologists at Mintea can provide further guidance on the symptomology, signs and assessments for both ADHD and LD.

What is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that starts in childhood and continues into adulthood. Individuals with ADHD may struggle with impulsivity and have difficulty focusing, organizing, and controlling behavior, which negatively affects their functional performance, social relationships, and daily life. Despite its challenges, ADHD can be successfully managed by receiving appropriate support and treatment to improve symptoms and enhance the quality of life.

What is LD?

Learning disability (LD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by a substantial deficit in one or more academic skill acquisitions. It includes perceptual disabilities, brain injuries, and minimal brain dysfunction but excludes hearing and visual impairments, intellectual developmental disorder, emotional disturbance, or environmental, cultural, or economic factors. LD starts in childhood and continues into adulthood. Individuals with LD have average or high intelligence but experience a gap between the skills expected of them and their performance in school. However, with support and learning appropriate strategies, they can improve their abilities, reduce that gap, and show their skills.

Symptoms of ADHD

Symptoms of ADHD encompass two primary aspects:

  • Symptoms of inattention: inability to pay close attention to details, difficulty maintaining focus and easy distractibility, carelessness and frequent mistakes, difficulty organizing tasks and managing time, difficulty listening and following instructions, avoiding tasks that require mental effort, regularly losing things, and forgetting daily activities.

  • Symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity: inability to sit still, trouble playing or carrying out tasks quietly, running or climbing in inappropriate places or feeling restless by adults, difficulty waiting for turns, talking excessively and answering quickly before a question is completed, interrupting others in conversation or intruding in their activities.

Types of ADHD

ADHD has three types:

  • Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation where hyperactivity symptoms dominate over inattention symptoms.

  • Predominantly inattentive presentation where inattention symptoms dominate over hyperactivity symptoms.

  • Combined presentation where symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity appear equally.

Types of LD

There are several types of LD, including:

  • Dyslexia affects reading skills.

  • Dysgraphia affects writing skills.

  • Dyspraxia affects motor skills.

  • Dyscalculia affects mathematical abilities.

  • Dysphasia affects speech and language abilities.

  • Auditory Processing Disorder affects the ability to process auditory information effectively.

  • Visual processing disorder affects the ability to interpret visual information.

What is the difference between ADHD and LD?

ADHD and LD are two different psychological disorders, yet they both have profound impacts, with one of the disorder also increasing the likelihood of developing the other. Whilst symptoms may overlap, someone with ADHD struggles to maintain attention for long periods while doing tasks, easily becoming distracted, however, they can still complete the task regardless of their nature and complexity. ADHD isn't a learning disorder, but it makes the learning process challenging. On the other hand, someone with LD faces challenges in learning and acquiring specific skills, such as reading or math, without necessarily having difficulty acquiring other skills.

Treatment

For treatment to be effective, it needs accurate and professional diagnosis. Despite the similarities in symptoms, different strategies and adaptation methods are required to deal with each condition. Getting the appropriate psychological and pharmacological treatment and education about the disorder helps improve learning methods and achieve academic success. It also aids in overcoming psychological, professional, and social challenges.