By Pat Hatt
This disorder, though not a learning disability, is often associated with learning disabilities and many people with ADHD also have learning disabilities. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is not a learning disability. However, we know that between 60 and 80 percent of individuals with ADHD have learning disabilities as well. Many individuals with ADHD have organizational learning disabilities.
ADHD is a psychiatric disability – a medical condition - that needs to be diagnosed and treated by a medical doctor - preferably a qualified psychiatrist. Most medical professionals understand that these learners may need more than medical intervention. Learners with ADHD also need their instruction and evaluation adjusted to accommodate the negative effects of their ADHD.
ADHD is caused by the body’s inability or difficulty in producing a chemical that suppresses some undesirable or inappropriate behaviours. Younger children with ADHD are often hyper and constantly moving – they have great difficulty ever being still. Older children and adults with ADHD are unable to focus and stay on or complete tasks.
At one time, it was believed that only boys were affected by ADHD. Now we know that girls can have the condition as well. Rather than the hyperactivity that boys with ADHD often display, the inability to focus and stay on task may manifest itself in “day dreaming” behaviour in girls. However, ADHD interferes with both concentration and memory in both sexes.
Some individuals with ADHD are medicated with stimulants such as Ritalin. The stimulant sparks the production of the chemical that inhibits inappropriate behaviour. But medication is not the only option. Individuals with ADHD can learn specific strategies to help them focus. For example, most people with ADHD respond well to a reduction in environmental stimuli. It may be beneficial for a learner with ADHD to write an exam in a quiet room. Other learners find it helpful to listen to music which creates “white noise” and reduces or eliminates the other noises which cause them to be distracted. Some learners are able to quite quickly and independently learn strategies that work for them. Other learners will need the help of a trained professional to learn and practice effective strategies.
The vast majority of learners with ADHD are of average or above average intelligence. They want to learn, but so much interferes. Many individuals with ADHD become disheartened and quit if they do not meet with success. That is why the time they devote to learning must be productive and based in subject areas that they see as meaningful. They have a limited amount of energy and they don’t want to waste time learning things they think are useless. It is often necessary to “sell” them on learning skills they cannot see an immediate use for.
It is critical to remember that ADHD is not a behavioural or emotional problem. It is not something that an individual can likely control on their own. It is a medical condition and learners with ADHD need to find the best ways to deal with the manifestations of the condition.
With help and good literacy skills, individuals with ADHD can reach their potential; they are often the high achievers in our society.