ADHD is not a learning disability because symptoms do not affect skills related to academic performance, such as writing, spelling, or language comprehension. However, core characteristics of ADHD can make learning difficult for children, as they struggle with paying attention, retaining information, or restlessness. Additionally, learning disabilities and ADHD commonly co-occur, further complicating progress and academic development.
ADHD Management Tools
Inflow App is the #1 science-based app to help you manage your ADHD. Their support system helps you understand your neurodiverse brain and build lifelong skills. Free Trial
Is ADHD a Learning Disability?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not a learning disability. Instead, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition resulting in symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. These challenges can impact learning but do not directly cause deficits in academic skills, such as math, language, or writing.
However, ADHD can fall under the “Other Health Impaired” category of disabilities.1 People can experience significant impacts on overall functioning due to symptoms of ADHD, meaning some may seek accommodations or assistance when managing their condition. Moreover, ADHD commonly co-occurs with learning disabilities, with one study showing 50% of children and adolescents experiencing a dual diagnosis.2
ADHD & Learning Disabilities: What Is the Difference?
Learning disabilities (LDs) encompass a range of neurologically-based conditions that can impact input (auditory and visual perception), integration (sequencing, abstraction, and organization), memory (working, short-term, and long-term memory), output (expressive language), and motor (fine and gross motor) skills.
Some individuals with LDs may have difficulties processing visual or auditory information, sometimes affecting their spelling, writing, reading, and language comprehension. They may also struggle with organizing, prioritizing, completing math, and following instructions.
The difference between a learning disability and ADHD is how each condition impacts these specific skills. ADHD does not directly cause problems with academic capabilities like LDs, and symptoms generally stem from executive dysfunction.
How Does ADHD Affect Learning?
ADHD and learning interplay with one another in various ways. For example, inattention can make listening difficult, contributing to challenges with understanding, storing, and retaining information.
Additionally, poor executive functioning skills can impact task management and prioritization, meaning individuals with ADHD may struggle with procrastination or follow-through. These difficulties may mirror those found in learning disabilities but do not directly influence learned academic skills.
ADHD symptoms that may impact learning include:
- Hyperactivity: Constant fidgeting and restlessness can result in children frequently leaving their seats, pacing the classroom, or engaging in other disruptive behavior. In turn, they may miss important instructions or aspects of a lesson.
- Impulsivity: Some children may impulsively talk over teachers. In turn, teachers may send them to the principal or ask them to leave the classroom, resulting in missed learning opportunities.
- Disorganization: Problems with organization can result in lost paperwork or homework. Children may have insufficient information to study for exams, while adults may miss instructions for work projects or deadlines.
- Difficulty focusing: When it is hard to pay attention, an individual may zone out and miss crucial content for the learning process.
- Distractibility: Short attention spans can contribute to difficulties staying focused during lectures or work meetings. Individuals may then miss essential details about specific topics.
- Poor time management: Time blindness, hyperfixation, and poor time management skills can affect the ability to complete a task within a required time frame.
- Low frustration tolerance: Emotional dysregulation and low frustration tolerance can impair the capacity to receive, process, and retain information. For example, children with ADHD may become angry when taking a test and quit before finishing.
- Forgetfulness: Those with ADHD may frequently lose homework assignments, books, binders, and papers. Maintaining academic performance becomes difficult without these materials.
Impacts of ADHD & Learning Disabilities
Navigating ADHD and learning disabilities can impact a child in many ways. Some may struggle to master skills easily acquired by their peers, while others cannot remember instructions or lessons. These difficulties can affect their development, and many children may feel incapable of catching up with their friends.
Over time, these experiences can cause low self-esteem, embarrassment, and shame. Additionally, kids may repeat grades because of their academic performance, meaning they feel further isolated from friends. Unfortunately, the possibility of bullying and social rejection can exacerbate feelings of “otherness” for children with ADHD and/or learning disabilities.
Get Help For ADHD
Talkiatry can match you with a real psychiatrist who takes your insurance and is seeing new patients. They’re in-network with major insurers and offer medication management. Get started with a short online assessment
Inflow App – Inflow is the #1 science-based app to help you manage your ADHD. Their support system helps you understand your neurodiverse brain, and build lifelong skills. Free Trial
Seeking Accommodations for ADHD & Learning Disabilities
Your child may qualify for classroom accommodations if they receive an ADHD diagnosis. An Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) labels ADHD as an “other health impairment,” meaning children may receive special education services to help manage ADHD in the classroom.(FN3) However, these accommodations only apply to children who exhibit negative impacts on educational performance due to ADHD symptoms.
A 504 Plan provides access to accommodations to improve academic functioning for students with a disability. A student must have a diagnosed physical or emotional disability or impairment (e.g., ADHD) that hinders one or more major life activities, such as participating in class or paying attention.
What If My Child Does Not Receive Accommodations?
Consult the Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC) if you have concerns about your request for accommodations. This center can help answer questions and provide resources to parents. Another option is to speak with an education advocate who knows the intricacies of the education system and can help caregivers find the support their children need.
Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
Getting an ADHD diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment from a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or physician. A professional will administer various assessments to determine if a child meets the criteria for ADHD.
Below are the symptoms of each ADHD presentation:
Inattentive ADHD
- Problems maintaining attention
- Distractibility
- Poor listening skills
- Difficulties following through with instructions
- Challenges with organization
- Forgetfulness
- Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring continuous mental effort
- Frequently losing things
- Overlooks details or makes careless mistakes
Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD
- Blurting out answers or thoughts
- Fidgeting
- Restlessness
- Interrupting others
- Struggling to remain seated
- Difficulty waiting or taking their turn
- Talking excessively
- Challenges with engaging in activities quietly
- Acts as if powered by a motor
ADHD Management Tools
Inflow App is the #1 science-based app to help you manage your ADHD. Their support system helps you understand your neurodiverse brain and build lifelong skills. Free Trial
Treatment for ADHD & Learning Disabilities
Consider seeking professional support to help address any negative symptoms associated with ADHD symptoms or learning difficulties. Connecting with a neurodiversity-affirming therapist is a positive start. Primary care providers often have lists of therapists available, or you can call your insurance agency for in-network providers.
Many therapy options can help improve social, learning, or language skills. For example, occupational therapy can help children practice motor skills, while speech and language therapy can foster healthier communication.
Resources are available for parents, too. Parent skills training can teach caregivers to provide support when their children struggle with schoolwork, behavioral challenges, and learning disabilities. Finding a tutor, reading specialist, or ADHD coach can provide additional aid for children as they cope with ADHD and/or a learning disability.
How to Support a Child With ADHD & Learning Disabilities
Helping a child with ADHD and learning-related challenges as a parent can be daunting. However, educating yourself can offer valuable insight into support resources and positive parenting techniques. These avenues may include podcasts, books, webinars, YouTube videos, and blogs. The most important thing to remember is your child is not their diagnosis–encourage them to explore their unique talents and gifts.
Here are 11 tips to support your child with ADHD and/or learning disabilities:
- Prioritize self-care: Taking care of your mental, physical, and emotional well-being can help you function at your best when supporting your child.
- Educate yourself: Empower yourself with knowledge so you can be a steadfast foundation for your child as they cope with various challenges.
- Advocate for your child at school: Don’t be afraid to speak up for your child. Communicate their needs and ask questions. Your child needs your voice.
- Consider behavioral therapy: CBT for ADHD can be especially helpful for children with learning difficulties. This approach can help them combat procrastination and improve time management.
- Consider medication: Treatment of ADHD often includes stimulant or non-stimulant medications. These prescriptions can improve concentration and focus.
- Connect to a community: Community helps validate and normalize your experience when parenting a child with ADHD. These groups can be a safe place to ask questions and share information.
- Establish structure: Establish a routine and use timers and calendars to help with time management. Modeling these behaviors can also encourage your child to take the initiative in using these strategies.
- Encourage exercise and movement: Movement can help manage hyperactivity and improve concentration.
- Help your child eat right: Creating an ADHD diet for your child may mitigate some symptoms. Encourage your child to eat three regular and balanced meals daily.
- Create social skills opportunities: Help your child connect with friends and participate in activities to develop their social skills.
- Remain empathetic and patient: Remember, your child is struggling, too. Stay patient and supportive as they develop healthy habits, cope with symptoms, and age into happy adults.
In My Experience
Additional Resources
To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.
ADHD Management Tools
Inflow App Inflow is the #1 science-based app to help you manage your ADHD. Their support system helps you understand your neurodiverse brain, and build lifelong skills. Free Trial
Online Psychiatry
Circle Medical – ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment. Affordable and accessible ADHD evaluations and treatment, including possible controlled substances medication if clinically appropriate. Diagnosis and prescription over video. Insurance accepted. Same & next day appointments available. Visit Circle Medical
Online Therapy
BetterHelp Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp has over 20,000 therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. Take A Free Online Assessment and get matched with the right therapist for you. Free Assessment
Free ADHD Newsletter
A free newsletter from Choosing Therapy for those impacted by ADHD. Get helpful tips and the latest information. Sign Up
Choosing Therapy Directory
You can search for therapists by specialty, experience, insurance, or price, and location. Find a therapist today
Do you think you have ADHD?
Answer an evidence-based questionnaire for Circles Medical to learn more. Takes 45 seconds.
Best Online Psychiatry Services
Online psychiatry, sometimes called telepsychiatry, platforms offer medication management by phone, video, or secure messaging for a variety of mental health conditions. In some cases, online psychiatry may be more affordable than seeing an in-person provider. Mental health treatment has expanded to include many online psychiatry and therapy services. With so many choices, it can feel overwhelming to find the one that is right for you.