Learning Success With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
A potential topic for a research paper is the phenomena where children who suffer with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are often associated or confused with having a learning disability. “The DSM-IV (the current diagnostic manual for psychiatry and psychology) describes the essential features of ADD/ADHD as “a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity.” The core features of ADD/ADHD interfere with an individual’s ability to give close attention to details, which leads to careless errors, makes sustaining attention and following through on tasks more difficult, increases forgetfulness, contributes to disorganization, and results in a person not always hearing what they’re told. ("Think You or Your Child is Dealing With ADD?", 2008). ADHD affects a child’s learning globally, whereas a child with a learning disability typically has a deficit in one or two areas, while performing average or above average in other areas. Also, children who are affected with ADHD can have success academically when distractions are at a minimum, or even with medication, but the same may not be true of students with learning disabilities.
Regarding learning disabilities, “An important part of the national definition put forth by the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities is that these disabilities are noted by: "Significant difficulties in the acquisition and use of listening, speaking, reading, writing, reasoning, or mathematical abilities. These disorders are intrinsic to the individual and presumed due to central nervous system dysfunction (1995)." (Giler, 2007-2008)
A neuropsychological evaluation is required to properly diagnose ADHD or learning disabilities in a child. Parents can monitor if their child exhibits symptoms of consistent inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity, which may indicate a diagnosis of ADHD. Or parents may observe delays in development or social...