Attention Deficit Disorder

ADD means attention deficit disorder and ADHD means attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Both are common patterns of children with dyslexia. It's pretty common for children with dyslexia to be misdiagnosed as having ADD because of the commonalities in the symptoms. It's not clear why it's so common for children to have both ADD and reading problems. There is a common set of learning traits to both conditions. Some believe that ADD stems from a predominanttly right-brained learning style, like dyslexia. It's also seen in highly creative individuals like dyslexia. The symptoms of ADD may be the result of an overactive mind and an unharnessed imagination. Since so many of the characteristics between ADD and dyslexia are the same, the appropriate criteria for diagnosis are set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders...if your child has six or more of the following symptoms your child may have ADHD (inattention type):
1. Fails to pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes.
2. Has difficulty holding attention.
3. Does not seem to listen when directly spoken to.
4. Doesn't follow through on instructions and fails to finish obligations.
5. Has difficulty organizing
6. Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort.
7. Loses things necessary for tasks or activities.
8. Is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
9. Is forgetful in daily activities.

***If your child has dyslexia, they are twice as likely to have ADD as well. A child with ADD is twice as likely to have difficulties with reading. About 36% of children with ADD also have dyslexia.

The second type of ADHD, hyperactivity impulsivity type, is more distinct from dyslexia. It's also diagnosed when the child has six or more of the following symptoms:
1. Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
2. Doesn't stay in seat in classroom or in other situations where staying in seat is expected.
3. Runs around or climbs excessively in situations in which it's inappropriate.
4. Has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly.
5. Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor".
6. Talks excessively.
7. Blurts out answers before questions have been completed.
8. Has difficulty awaiting turn.
9. Interrupts or intrudes on others.

**Many of these behaviors may also be a result of the learning problems associated with dyslexia. A child who's frustrated or confused will have a hard time as well with some of those behaviors. It's important for you to consider the context surrounding the observed behavior.

In order for ADD to be diagnosed correctly some of the symptoms must have been present before seven years old and symptoms must be present in two or more settings, such as school and home.

** The National Institute of Mental Health cautions that the behaviors associated with ADD may merely reflect a child's response to a defeating classroom situation. A child with true ADD will exhibit difficulty concentrating and compleating tasks even when they want to participate.
(The Everything Parent's Guide to Children with Dyslexia-pg's 48-50)