Learning Disabilities and ADHD
What is a Learning Disorder?
Do you or your child have difficulties in reading, writing, or math? Learning disorders occur when an otherwise intelligent person has trouble mastering certain academic skills. A Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) is diagnosed when an individual is having difficulty in specific subject areas.
The most common areas of impairment are in reading, written expression, and mathematics (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Many of these issues can co-occur, which makes multiple subjects difficult. For example, difficulties with reading may also impact the ability to learn from a math textbook.
When an SLD is present, it can affect feelings of self-worth. As you feel less able to do what your peers can do, your confidence and motivation to learn may dissipate. This may cause you to feel hopeless or set lower expectations for yourself (Hen & Goroshit, 2012).
With professional support, you and your child can learn ways to cope with these symptoms and secure accommodations to level the playing field for academic and career success.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Do you or a loved one have difficulty with organization, focusing on tasks, or maintaining proper behavior? Many kids and adults struggle with the effects of unmanaged Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. ADHD is a diagnosis with a heavy stigma – one that wrongly defines people as “lazy,” undisciplined, or erratic.
ADHD is marked by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that impairs social and academic functioning. These symptoms are often detected early in childhood, but many adults may also struggle with these symptoms.
Some indicators of ADHD may include (DSM-5):
Difficulty with attention to detail
Losing things often
Difficulty organizing activities and tasks
Difficulty maintaining attention on tasks
Talking excessively
Fidgets or squirms in seat
Has difficulty being still for an extended time
With professional support, you and your child can learn ways to cope with these symptoms and secure accommodations to level the playing field for academic and career success.
How Can Variations Psychology Help?
Many individuals search for a therapist, booking an appointment with the first 5-star-rated counselor they can find. The problem with diving right into therapy is that you run the risk of spending tons of time and money with a therapist whose expertise doesn’t fit your actual needs.
That’s where Variations comes in.
Whether your family is struggling with learning differences or conditions that impact your mental health, our Doctors conduct psychological testing to remove the guess-work and provide you with a clear diagnosis. Beginning with a diagnosis allows our team to guide you on the most effective path toward overcoming challenges and achieving your life’s potential.
Click below to schedule your consultation today to learn how we can help.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Hen, M. & Goroshit, M. (2012). Academic procrastination, emotional intelligence, academic self-efficacy, and GPA. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 47(2), 116-124.
Mayes, S. D., Calhoun, S. L., & Crowell, E. W. (2000). Learning disabilities and ADHD: Overlapping spectrum disorders. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 33(5), 417-424.