ADHD and Learning Disabilities

ADD/ADHD

Attention-deficit disorder and Attention-deficit Hyperactivity disorder are increasingly common issues facing people today. ADD & ADHD symptoms show up in various situations, such as in the classroom or the workplace, and may create difficulties in getting work done. Symptoms may also affect relationships with friends and family. While ADD & ADHD symptoms are frequently present prior to 7 years of age and are most commonly diagnosed in children, it often goes undiagnosed until adulthood. This can have a negative effect on an individual's sense of self-worth. Signs and symptoms of ADD/ADHD fall into several categories and include:

Signs and symptoms of inattentive behavior may include:

• Often fails to pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities
• Often has trouble sustaining attention during tasks or play
• Seems not to listen even when spoken to directly
• Has difficulty following through on instructions and often fails to finish schoolwork, chores or other tasks
• Often has problems organizing tasks or activities
• Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as schoolwork or homework
• Frequently loses needed items, such as books, pencils, toys or tools
• Can be easily distracted
• Often forgetful

Signs and symptoms of hyperactive and impulsive behavior may include:

• Fidgets or squirms frequently
• Often leaves his or her seat in the classroom or in other situations when remaining seated is expected
• Often runs or climbs excessively when it's not appropriate or, if an adolescent, might constantly feel restless
• Frequently has difficulty playing quietly
• Always seems on the go
• Talks excessively
• Blurts out the answers before questions have been completely asked
• Frequently has difficulty waiting for his or her turn
• Often interrupts or intrudes on others' conversations or games

Learning Disabilities

Learning disability is a term that describes a disorder in which a person’s ability to evaluate and process what they see or hear is affected. Those people who are affected by learning disabilities could have development and achievement problems over their lifetime. Without help, the learning disabilities could cause years of frustration.

There are a variety of learning disorders. Some cause problems or difficulties with language (both written and spoken), reading, writing, math, attention and control. Learning disabilities are not associated with someone having less of an economic or social advantage than someone else.

At least ten percent of the population has one or more learning disabilities.

There are no specific reasons as to why learning disabilities are found in some people and not in others. It is believed that learning disabilities could possibly be caused by disturbances in the brain structures and functions during development. Learning disabilities are also more common in boys than in girls.

There are signs to look for when assessing if someone has a learning disability. As children grow up, they need to reach certain milestones within a specific amount of time. The time limits are based on when the average child reaches each milestone and then some leeway is allowed for faster or slower children. An example of this is when a baby says his or her first word or takes a first step. Doctors look for delays in reaching milestones so they can predict whether or not they feel a child may have a development problem in the future.

When the child is in school, learning problems may surface that weren’t noticed before. These areas are usually affected: language (both written and spoken), math, memory and reasoning.

Language problems show up as delays or difficulties in listening, speaking, reading, writing and spelling.

Math problems consist of difficulties with operations or understanding of basic concepts. This can also include problems with shape, size and color.

Memory problems include difficulties with information and instructions. Reasoning problems involve organizing and using thoughts.

Other signs of a learning disability could include consistently performing poorly on tests, incomplete work, often distracted or disorganized, hyperactivity, problems with paying attention and acting out. There are many, many more signs related to learning disabilities.