“The diagnosis was given, and the meds were started, but the tantrums and meltdowns about math got worse.” Professionals hear this daily. The diagnosis and treatment didn’t fix the issue. This happens to many who struggle with attention problems and learning challenges. They need additional help to combat their diagnosis. Some might need to see a counselor to deal with anxiety issues. Others might need a more in-depth one-on-one tutor or even a cognitive trainer to work on the underlying issues.

In our society, we have a mindset of a quick fix, and we have forgotten that most diagnoses come with other issues. This is especially true when related to learning experiences in this fast-paced world. Everything is magnified tenfold and is moving at a breakneck pace. So the struggle to keep up becomes a way that students define themselves, and they begin to feel left behind.

Understanding learning struggles is crucial for developing effective educational strategies. We design our approach to meet the needs of the struggling learner. There are overlapping characteristics between the different learning disabilities. Each child is unique in how those characteristics affect them. Collaborative working environments can create an essential supportive learning experience. It is important for educators, interventionists, and families to work as a team.

October is ADHD and dyslexia awareness month. So, we are focusing on those learning challenges. We will discuss others in the future. As an educational and Board-Certified Cognitive Specialist, I want to help everyone understand these disabilities. They are distinct but interconnected learning challenges. Here is a breakdown of their differences and how they relate.

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

• Over seven distinct types.
• Characterized by difficulties with attention regulation, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. 
• Individuals struggle with focus, following instructions, and effective time management.
• Challenges include inconsistent academic performance, difficulty organizing thoughts, and trouble maintaining attention during lessons or while completing assignments.  

Dyslexia

• Over nine distinct types.
• Language-based learning disabilities affect reading and related language-based processing skills. 
• Individuals struggle with phonemic awareness, decoding words, reading fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary retention. 
• Challenges include reading accurately and fluently, which affects comprehension and academic performance. 

Dyscalculia

• Math-related disabilities with several distinct types.
• Affect an individual’s ability to understand numbers and learn math facts. This can include difficulties in number sense, memorizing arithmetic facts, and performing calculations. 
• Many people have trouble with basic math and advanced reasoning. This affects their lessons that need those skills. 

The Connection Between ADHD and Learning Disabilities

Shared Symptoms:

Both ADHD and learning disabilities can manifest as difficulties with focus and organization. For instance, a child with ADHD might struggle to concentrate while reading. That would also challenge students with dyslexia. Students may struggle while solving math problems, which also impacts those with dyscalculia. Having a deficit in your working memory can affect many areas of learning. Understanding the key cognitive skills that affect learning disabilities is crucial.

Comorbidity:

This means that many students who have one learning struggle may also have another. It is common for individuals with ADHD to also have a learning disability. Research suggests that ADHD can worsen challenges associated with dyslexia or dyscalculia. We must address both sets of needs simultaneously. 

Learning Strategies:  

For ADHD: try these strategies:

1. Use timers to manage tasks.
2. Break assignments into smaller steps. 
3. Utilize visual aids to enhance focus. 

For dyslexia: try these strategies:

1. Use a multisensory approach to instruction. 
2. Teach reading and writing using phonics. 
3. Use reading-assistive technology such as text-to-speech and audiobooks.    

For dyscalculia: try these strategies:

1. Implement hands-on learning. 
2. Use visual representations of mathematical concepts.
3. Allow the use of calculators to support understanding.

Lifelong LEARNING:

Struggles with learning issues do not have to be a lifelong issue. Early intervention can make a difference. We have new information about nutritional aspects of supplements, and there are local options available such as one-to-one brain training. Neurodivergent students of all ages can thrive. Embracing learning as a lifestyle habit is essential to overcoming learning struggles. 

Act Now!

There is no time like the present, so why wait? If you want to know why your student is struggling, they should take a cognitive skills assessment. The assessment shows us which skills are already thriving, and which need improvement. Identifying your student’s needs helps our directors and trainers individualize our programs. This way, we can focus on and improve the specific skills that matter most. We collaborate with professionals in various other fields. This helps us build the right connections for your child’s learning.

For more information on brain training in general, go to LearningRx Shreveport Brain Training. Contact the LearningRx Shreveport-Bossier center by calling 318.797.8523 or emailing shreveport.la@learningrx.net. You can also sign up for our monthly newsletter here!

 

 

LearningRx does not diagnose or treat learning disabilities, nor is brain training a “cure” for ADHD or other diagnoses. Instead, we look at the weak cognitive skills that are at the root of all thinking and learning. Since every brain is unique, individual outcomes may vary. Read more about our research and results here!