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Is ADHD a Learning Disability?

Oct 10, 2024
 
 

Is ADHD a Learning Disability?

 

Is ADHD a Learning Disability?

No, ADHD is not classified as a learning disability, but it may make learning more challenging.

Though ADHD is not categorized as a learning disability, research shows that 30-50% of children with ADHD also have a specific learning disability, making learning even more challenging. The interaction between these conditions can further complicate academic achievement.

ADHD Definition:

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the brain’s prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for managing thoughts and behaviors.

Learning Impact of ADHD:

While ADHD doesn’t directly affect academic skills like reading, writing, or math, it can impact executive function. This means difficulties with planning, organization, and maintaining focus, which are critical for learning.
Further, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), ADHD can be considered a disability, potentially making students eligible for special education services and/or accommodations.

 

Supporting Students with ADHD: The Impact of Targeted InstructionADHD learning disability support

Many students with ADHD face unique challenges when it comes to learning. While ADHD is not classified as a learning disability, its effects on executive functioning—such as difficulties with focus, planning, and organization—can make academic achievement more difficult. This is particularly true for students who also struggle with decoding and language comprehension.

At Lindamood-Bell, we’ve seen firsthand how targeted instruction can make a significant difference for students with these dual challenges. For example, students with a prior ADHD diagnosis who experienced both decoding and language comprehension difficulties were provided with Seeing Stars® and Visualizing and Verbalizing® instruction. The results were remarkable: these students achieved substantial improvements in both decoding and comprehension. In fact, they made large (statistically significant) standard score gains on eight of nine measures.

One particularly encouraging outcome was a 27-point increase in percentile rank for Word Recognition and a 20-point increase in Written Language Comprehension, placing these students well within the normal range (25th-75th percentile). This demonstrates how the right instructional approach can help students with ADHD not only overcome their learning obstacles but thrive academically.

While ADHD itself may not affect specific academic skills, the way it interacts with other learning difficulties—like those involving decoding and comprehension—requires a comprehensive approach. With the right support, including specialized instruction and effective strategies, students with ADHD can achieve meaningful and lasting progress in their academic journeys.

 

Students with a prior ADHD diagnosis who had both decoding and language comprehension difficulties received both Seeing Stars and Visualizing and Verbalizing instruction. These students achieved significant improvements in decoding and comprehension. They made large (statistically significant) standard score changes on eight of nine measures.

Years: Jan. 2008 – Dec. 2023

Number of Students: 2,136

Average Age: 11.9

Average Hours of Instruction: 155.4

Lindamood-Bell Instruction Implemented: Seeing Stars and Visualizing and Verbalizing

 

Lindamood-Bell: Supporting Students with ADHD and Learning Challenges

Instruction for ADHD and learning disabilities

At Lindamood-Bell, we specialize in helping students overcome challenges related to ADHD and other learning difficulties. Our evidence-based programs, such as Seeing Stars for decoding and Visualizing and Verbalizing for comprehension, have been proven to significantly improve academic performance. We believe that every student, regardless of their diagnosis, can learn to their full potential with the right kind of instruction.

With nearly 40 years of experience, we’ve helped students of all ages make remarkable progress in reading, comprehension, and overall learning. Whether a student is struggling with focus, planning, or understanding complex material, our sensory-cognitive instruction is designed to target and strengthen the specific learning and literacy skills that provide the foundation for success.

If your child faces challenges related to ADHD or other learning difficulties, Lindamood-Bell offers individualized instruction to support their success. Our programs are available both in-person and online, providing families with flexibility without compromising quality. The first step is a comprehensive Learning Ability Evaluation, which identifies your child’s strengths and areas of need. Based on the results, we recommend either 1-to-1 instruction or enrollment in Lindamood-Bell Academy. This personalized approach targets the root causes of learning difficulties, helping your child thrive. Schedule a Learning Ability Evaluation today to start their journey to success.

Discover more on our website or contact us today to learn how we can help your child thrive academically. Call 800-233-1819 to get started!

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Our evidence-based instruction is effective whether you attend in person or live online! Students everywhere, including those with learning difficulties such as dyslexia, can gain new skills and confidence—and have a successful school year. Contact your local learning center today for special school year savings! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
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📚Watch your child thrive this school year with Lindamood-Bell Academy!
Every one-to-one or small-group class is live and interactive, whether in person or online. Students feel successful right from the start.
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📚 Watch your child thrive this school year with Lindamood-Bell Academy!
Every one-to-one or small-group class is live and interactive, whether in person or online. Students feel successful right from the start.
Enroll now and enjoy 25% off one month of tuition! 🎉
🌟 LEARN MORE and get started today! Follow the link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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🚨 Wondering if your child might need extra reading support? It can be tricky to know if they’re still developing their skills or if there’s an underlying issue. Check out these 5 signs of reading difficulty and what they might mean. If you spot any, Lindamood-Bell can help! Learn more in our latest blog. Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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#lindamoodbell #reading #tutor
Our evidence-based instruction is effective whether you attend in person or live online! Students everywhere, including those with learning difficulties such as dyslexia, can gain new skills and confidence—and have a successful school year. Contact your local learning center today for special school year savings! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
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#lindamoodbell #tutor #testimonial
Educators, supporting students with dyslexia calls for specialized, evidence-based strategies that address their unique learning challenges. At Lindamood-Bell, we’re dedicated to equipping both students and educators with proven methods to build critical reading skills and confidence. Our latest blog post presents research-based practices that help students with dyslexia reach their full potential. Read the full blog post at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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Attention Educators! Join us this December in San Luis Obispo, California, for in-person Lindamood-Bell Workshops! 🌟
Discover evidence-based programs proven to help students with dyslexia, ADHD, and autism. Our approach, grounded in the cognitive science of learning, aligns with the science of reading and structured literacy.
✨Register today! ✨Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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Your child can start thriving with Lindamood-Bell Academy. We provide personalized learning that is tailored to each student’s needs. Attend in person or live online.
🌟 Watch our Virtual Open House to learn more and get started! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoobellofficial.
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#LindamoodBellAcademy #LindamoodBell #privateschool
Lindamood-Bell helps students of all ages and abilities catch up or get ahead in reading, comprehension, and math through daily intensive instruction tailored to each student’s needs. Contact your local learning center today for special school year savings on both in-person and online instruction! Get started at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
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Dyscalculia, often termed "mathematical dyslexia," impacts an individual’s ability to comprehend and work with numbers. Lindamood-Bell’s unique On Cloud Nine Math program builds foundational math skills and confidence. 
Visit our blog to discover ways to identify dyscalculia and how to get help. Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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#Dyscalculia #MathSupport #LindamoodBell
Your child can start thriving with Lindamood-Bell Academy. We provide personalized learning that is tailored to each student’s needs. Attend in person or live online.
🌟 Watch our Virtual Open House to learn more and get started! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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#LindamoodBellAcademy #LindamoodBell #privateschool
📚 Unlock the Benefits of Daily Reading! 🌟
Did you know that just 20 minutes of reading each day can have a profound impact on your child’s vocabulary, comprehension, and overall academic success? Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, consistent reading helps broaden their knowledge and understanding of the world.

Discover how daily reading builds lifelong learning skills and why skipping those 20 minutes is not an option! 

Visit our blog to learn more, follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.

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Missed our Parent Insight events? Catch up anytime, now available on demand!
Get valuable, firsthand information about Lindamood-Bell’s instruction for reading and comprehension. Our recent 'Parent Insights' webinars offer a closer look at what makes our approach so effective. Watch now to learn how we can help your child succeed. Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Lindamood-Bell helps students of all ages and abilities catch up or get ahead in reading, comprehension, and math through daily intensive instruction tailored to each student’s needs. Contact your local learning center today for special school year savings on both in-person and online instruction! Get started at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
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