| Attention Deficit Disorder, in itself, is not a learning | | | | spelling and reading, writing, and arithmetic disorders |
| disability. The term "learning disability" typically refers | | | | may arise. Likewise, dyslexia, a reading disorder, is |
| to a perceptual disability, such as an auditory or visual | | | | common in children with ADD. However, none of |
| processing disorder, like autism or dyslexia. A person | | | | these disabilities is inherent to Attention Deficit |
| with ADD, however, has no problems perceiving or | | | | Disorder. While some children may have them, many |
| interpreting information. Therefore, it does not qualify | | | | will not. |
| as a learning disability. | | | | Whereas ADD may cause difficulty in learning, steps |
| Although it is often jumbled in with the mass of | | | | may be taken to help the child perform well in spite |
| "disabilities", ADD actually does not hinder the process | | | | of the disorder. Most ADD children do better with a |
| of learning. A child with ADD can intake information, | | | | schedule - the exact same thing, day in and day out. |
| process it accordingly, and preserve it in memory, | | | | Because they may have problems with memory |
| just like any other person. The problem comes with | | | | retention and are easily distracted, this helps them |
| getting them to pay attention long enough to hear | | | | stay on track, because they are acting out of habit. |
| the information in the first place! | | | | The same goes for organization; a set way to do |
| A child with Attention Deficit Disorder may have | | | | things and places to put things makes it easier to |
| difficulties in school and with learning in general, but it | | | | remember and stay on course. On the same token, |
| is not due to a learning disability. Often, when a child | | | | teaching the child to utilize organizational binders and |
| is treated for ADD, their academic performance | | | | planners also helps them stay organized and keep up |
| improves by leaps and bounds. On the other hand, an | | | | with important assignments. |
| individual with ADD may not have any difficulty in | | | | During class time, it helps if an interactive approach is |
| learning at all; this will vary by person. | | | | taken as opposed to a lecturing style - this keeps |
| However, while ADD is not a learning disability, it is | | | | the child's attention better and decreases the |
| often accompanied by one or many. Some children, | | | | likelihood of distractions. |
| particularly at the preschool age, may have difficulty | | | | The most important thing is to not make ADD a |
| interpreting sounds or words and may also have | | | | crutch for the child; they can grow and be |
| speech issues. Older children may have problems | | | | successful, even with this disorder. |