ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is considered the most common psychiatric disorder among kids. A lot of debate has ensued about it, with several claiming that it’s not a learning disability and several on the contrary. This is of course a bit contradictory in some cases, since trained educators like NYC tutors from CentralParkTutors.com can aptly deal with the condition and make things work. If so, which one is it?
The Beginnings of the ADHD-LD Link
There might be an explanation as to why some people label ADHD as a learning disability. It has been shown that half of youngsters with ADHD also possess a type of learning disability (LD). The latter can include dyslexia auditory processing disorder to name a few. LDs may be blamed if a child on medication can maintain focus yet still do poorly in academics. Another explanation deals with timing. A late ADHD diagnosis (one not made until the fourth or fifth grade) may cause a child to have academic gaps. The student doesn’t have an LD, but the gap may lead teachers to think otherwise.
The Real Deal
ADHD is not a learning disability, since afflicted individuals can still aptly process learning stimuli. They simply can’t pay attention long enough. True learning disabilities on the other hand directly affect the understanding and memorization, as well as the response to new information. In other words, ADHD is indirect, and learning disabilities are straight to the point.
Here’s another analogy for better understanding. Take note of two terms: disabled and unable. When you say someone is “disabled,” he is lacking completely in something, like a full arm or leg. In turn, his disability fully hampers normal movement. When you say someone is “unable,” it projects a sense of something being temporary. He might currently be unable to do certain things today, but assistance can help him do them the next. It’s the same gist with LDs and ADHD. Both are incurable conditions, yet differ in the immediacy of their effects.