Is ADD /ADHD a learning disability?

If your child has been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD you may be wondering if that means that he is learning disabled as well?

Well, not exactly.

When we talk of the term 'learning disability' then what we generally mean is that it is a perceptual disability - such as autism or visual processing disorder.

Attention Deficit Disorder (With or without hyperactivity) shouldn't be treated as a learning disability.

Anyone who has ADD is perfectly capable of understanding and using the information presented to them.

ADD doesn't really obstruct the learning process although it can sure feel like it at times.

It is often mistakenly lumped together with other learning disabilities into 1 category. A person who is suffering from ADD can take in the information he sees and then he can process it and even store it in his memory just like any other person.

Then what's the problem, you may ask. The problem with a person with ADD is attracting and holding his attention for long enough so that he can absorb the information to begin with.This leads to all kinds of problems, at school, at home and for adult ADD sufferers, in the workplace as well.

Once he is able to focus and concentrate, his performance in school, at home and in the workplaically improve.

But sometimes ADD or ADHD can co-exist or be mistaken for a learning disability or some other processing disorder. Dyslexia, auditory, vision and speech problems could all be mistaken for ADD, or a child might have ADD and one of these problems as well. A thorough check-up by a pediatrician will help immensely.These problems must first be rules out before treatment for ADD is sought.

Once you are sure that your child is indeed suffering from ADD, then you need to consider all the various treatment options, such as medication, supplementation, brainwave entrainment, behavior modification or a complete holistic treatment option that combines many of the methods above.

But no matter what treatment option you choose, here are some tips that will benefit ALL kids with ADD:

1. A regular daily routine- bath time, mealtimes, bedtimes, homework time and so on happening at the same time each day. This repetition and familiarity helps a child remember what needs to be done when.

2."A Place for everything and everything in it's place" is a good motto for someone with ADD. Help your child get organized and stay organized.

3. Having a homework diary helps the child with ADD to remember what homework needs to be done as well as what assignments and other school events he may need to prepare for.

4. In the classroom, a teacher who invites interaction with the ADD pupil will find that he understands and retains the material far better than if she had just delivered a lecture.

And most of all, don't loose hope. Educate yourself about ADD and learn all you can about managing it as well as possible, then teach these coping skills to your child, and he is sure to thrive.