March 28, 2023:

The Overlap Between ADHD, Learning Disorders, and Anxiety

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects around 11% of children and adolescents worldwide. Children with ADHD have difficulty sustaining attention, controlling impulsive behavior, and may be hyperactive. The symptoms of ADHD can be similar to those of other conditions, such as learning disorders, and this overlap can sometimes make it challenging to diagnose the disorder accurately.

A learning disorder is a condition that affects the ability to process, store, or produce information. Learning disorders are typically diagnosed when children experience significant difficulties in reading, writing, or mathematics, despite adequate intelligence, teaching, and opportunities to learn. Children with learning disorders may have difficulties with attention, memory, and organization, which can also overlap with symptoms of ADHD.

The symptoms of ADHD and learning disorders can sometimes overlap, making it difficult to distinguish between the two. Children with ADHD may struggle with reading, writing, and mathematics, just like those with learning disorders. However, children with ADHD tend to have more global difficulties with attention, while those with learning disorders tend to struggle with specific aspects of learning.

For example, a child with ADHD may struggle to pay attention during a lesson, leading to difficulties in learning new information. In contrast, a child with a specific learning disorder in reading may have difficulty recognizing words and decoding text, even though they may be able to pay attention and understand the meaning of the words they read.

Anxiety can also play a significant role in the difficulties experienced by children with learning disorders. Anxiety is a common comorbidity in children with learning disorders, and it can exacerbate the symptoms of the disorder. Children with anxiety may experience increased levels of stress and worry, leading to difficulties with attention, memory, and processing speed. Anxiety can also interfere with motivation and confidence, making it challenging for children with learning disorders to engage in learning activities and persist in the face of challenges.

The relationship between ADHD, learning disorders, and anxiety is complex, and it requires careful evaluation by a qualified professional. Accurately diagnosing and treating these conditions is essential for improving the academic and social outcomes of children with these conditions. Treatment may involve a combination of medication, behavioral interventions, and academic accommodations to help children manage their symptoms and succeed in their academic and personal goals.

In conclusion, the symptoms of ADHD and learning disorders can overlap, making it challenging to distinguish between the two. Anxiety can also play a role in the difficulties experienced by children with learning disorders. It is crucial to seek a comprehensive evaluation from a qualified professional to determine the underlying causes of a child’s difficulties and develop an individualized treatment plan to help them succeed in their academic and personal goals.

CASE STUDY: “EMILY”

Emily was an 11-year-old girl who had always struggled in school. She had difficulty paying attention in class, completing homework assignments, and keeping up with her peers academically. Her parents had noticed that Emily had a hard time focusing on tasks at home as well, often getting distracted easily and having difficulty following through on chores or completing projects.

Emily’s parents had tried to help her with her schoolwork, but they were unsure why she was struggling so much. They were concerned that Emily was falling behind her peers and not reaching her full potential. They decided to seek out a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation to better understand Emily’s challenges.

During the evaluation, Emily participated in a series of tests and other tasks to evaluate her cognitive functioning, academic skills, attention, memory, and executive functioning. The evaluation revealed that Emily had ADHD, and she also had a specific learning disorder in reading. Emily’s attention difficulties were impacting her ability to learn, and her reading disorder was further complicating her academic progress.

After the evaluation, Emily’s parents met with a team of professionals, including a psychologist and an educational specialist, to develop an individualized treatment plan to help Emily succeed academically and personally. The team recommended that Emily receive medication to help manage her ADHD symptoms, and they also recommended academic accommodations, including extra time on tests and access to assistive technology, to support her learning.

Emily also began working with an educational specialist who provided her with strategies to improve her reading skills, including phonics instruction and multi-sensory techniques. The specialist also worked with Emily to improve her executive functioning skills, such as planning and organizing, to help her manage her time more effectively and stay on top of her homework assignments.

Over time, Emily’s parents noticed a significant improvement in Emily’s academic and personal life. Emily was able to pay attention in class, complete her homework assignments more efficiently, and make significant progress in her reading skills. Emily’s self-esteem and confidence also improved, and she began to feel more capable and successful in school.

CONCLUSION

Emily’s case highlights the importance of a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation in understanding the underlying causes of a child’s learning difficulties. Through the evaluation, Emily’s parents were able to identify her ADHD and specific learning disorder in reading, which helped them develop an individualized treatment plan to support Emily’s academic and personal growth. With the right interventions, children like Emily can overcome their learning difficulties and reach their full potential.

—Dr. David Butman, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Keystone Psychological Testing & Consulting, a private assessment practice in Doylestown, PA. He specializes in the assessment of ADHD, learning difficulties, emotional and behavioral challenges, executive functioning, attention, and giftedness.