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Key Takeaways:
- ADHD isn’t a learning disability, but it can make it more likely for individuals to develop problems with reading, writing, and doing math.
- Learning disabilities commonly associated with ADHD include dyslexia, dyscalculia, and nonverbal learning disorders.
- You can support a child with ADHD by learning more about it, developing an individualized educational plan with their school counselor, and practicing skills together.
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If your child has been diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), you might be wondering, “Is ADHD a learning disability?” ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder and it can affect how a child processes and responds to information.
This article will provide insights into how ADHD affects learning and how to help a child with concurrent ADHD and learning disabilities.
Is ADHD a Learning Disability?
ADHD is not considered a learning disability. However, it is also considered a neurodevelopmental disability that can impact learning. According to the Attention Deficit Disorder Association, ADHD can impact how an individual processes new information.
Evidence also suggests that children with ADHD are more likely to develop learning disabilities like dyslexia, dyscalculia, and other language-based abilities [*].
What’s the Difference Between ADHD and Learning Disabilities?
The primary difference between ADHD and a learning disability is that the former does not impact specific academic skills. Instead, ADHD impacts executive functioning, which is the cognitive process by which individuals manage themselves.
With ADHD, children might struggle to stay focused on tasks or organize activities effectively. It can cause issues like mental paralysis and make it difficult for an individual to remember details or direct their focus.
How Does ADHD Affect Learning?
As its name suggests, ADHD primarily affects learning in that individuals struggle to focus or are easily distracted. However, it can also lead to the following issues:
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Poor attention and focus. The core of ADHD is an inability to focus or pay attention for long periods. A child with ADHD might forget deadlines or struggle to sustain their attention on a single task. On the other hand, some children with ADHD may hyperfocus and become obsessed with a task to the point of exhaustion. Inattentiveness is slightly more common in girls with ADHD [*].
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Inability to organize or prioritize. ADHD can cause time blindness, which is the inability to perceive and manage time. Time blindness can make it challenging for an individual to plan their day or stick to a schedule. It can cause ADHD paralysis and lead to procrastination.
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Lack of emotion regulation. For children with ADHD, this lack of emotion regulation can manifest as frequent tantrums, crying, hitting, or immediate emotional outbursts. Older kids might demonstrate this through mood swings or irritability when they feel misunderstood.
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Inconsistent academic performance. Because individuals with ADHD have a poor working memory, they may perform inconsistently at school. If a child is in a distraction-free environment, they might perform quickly with a few errors but perform poorly if they feel unfocused.
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Hyperactivity. Children with ADHD often experience hyperactivity. This symptom is more common in boys with ADHD, and it typically manifests as fidgeting, restlessness, and the desire to move around constantly. For teenagers with ADHD, hyperactivity may be internalized and appear as them being “on edge.”
What are Some Learning Disabilities Associated with ADHD?
A child with ADHD won’t always develop a learning disability. However, co-occurrence is common with the following learning disabilities:
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Dyscalculia. This condition causes problems with math, including counting and reasoning. ADHD-related inattentiveness can make it challenging for people to recognize and process patterns and equations.
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Dyslexia. This condition affects language processing that causes difficulties in reading, writing, and speaking. Challenges with attention, memory, and processing material can make it hard for people with ADHD to focus on written information.
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Dysgraphia. This condition makes it hard to write. Motor control issues and ADHD-related executive dysfunction can contribute to this learning disability.
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Auditory processing disorder (APD). This condition causes the brain to misinterpret auditory information. Inattention and distractibility can amplify APD symptoms.
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Nonverbal learning disabilities (NVLD). This condition makes it difficult to understand nonverbal cues and abstract concepts. Problems with executive functioning and working memory can exacerbate issues with NVLD.
Can Someone Have Both ADHD and a Learning Disability?
Someone can have ADHD and a learning disability simultaneously. The Learning Disabilities Association of America states that 30% to 50% of children with ADHD also have a learning disability [*].
Issues caused by ADHD and concurrent learning disabilities often manifest in school because of how they affect academic performance. However, severe cases can manifest at home and in social settings.
For example, children with both conditions may struggle to sit still and lose themselves in frequent daydreams. These habits can make it challenging for individuals to feel like they belong in neurotypical settings and lower their self-esteem.
If you have a child or teenager with ADHD, it’s essential to tailor a treatment plan to their specific needs. As a parent, caregiver, or teacher, there are many solutions you can provide, such as the following:
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Learn more about ADHD. Learning about what it means to have ADHD and a learning disability can put a child’s behaviors into perspective and give adults a better opportunity to respond with patience and understanding.
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Try different strategies. Just because one method works for other children with ADHD doesn’t mean it’ll work for your child. Experiment with different strategies by observing how your child improves (or doesn’t).
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Request an individualized education plan (IEP). While ADHD isn’t a learning disorder, children with the condition are typically protected by the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act. This act can help create more conducive learning environments, such as through distraction-free testing facilities. If your ADHD child does not qualify for an IEP, they have a right to a Section 504 Plan, which can provide similar accommodations as an IEP.
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Consider medication. In some cases, medication can benefit a child with ADHD. Children older than six can receive stimulant medication to help them concentrate.
The Bottom Line
While ADHD isn’t considered a learning disability, ADHD and learning are closely tied and can significantly impact a child’s academic and social life. With the right strategy, help from a professional, and close collaboration with your child’s school, you can set them up for success.
Equip your child with the right tools to improve their executive functioning by exploring our ADHD worksheets.
Sources:
- SusantaKumar Padhy, Sahoo M, Biswas H. “Psychological co-morbidity in children with specific learning disorders.” Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 2015.
- Skogli EW, Teicher MH, Andersen PN, Hovik KT, Merete Øie. “ADHD in girls and boys – gender differences in co-existing symptoms and executive function measures.” BMC Psychiatry, 2013.
- “ADHD.” Learning Disabilities Association of America, 2024.
