Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, and dyslexia are two disorders that start during childhood and can affect learning. The National Institute of Mental Health explains the symptoms of ADHD start between ages 3 and 6, and can interfere with attention and behavior. MayoClinic.com notes that with dyslexia, parents may notice symptoms before the child starts school. As the New York University Medical Center points out, children can have both dyslexia and ADHD, but one disorder does not cause the other.
Identification
Three types of symptoms exist for ADHD: inattention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity. Some patients may have more inattention symptoms, while others may have more impulsive-hyperactive symptoms; however, with combined ADHD, patients have all three types of symptoms. ADHD patients with inattention symptoms may daydream, have problems following directions, become distracted or have problems finishing homework. Signs of impulsiveness include interrupting other people and blurting out inappropriate comments. With hyperactivity, the patient may squirm while seated, touch anything she can or talk nonstop. MayoClinic.com explains that early signs of dyslexia include starting to talk later and learning words at a slower pace than other children. When children with dyslexia start school, they may have a lower reading level and problems spelling. Dyslexia may cause patients to see words or letters in reverse.
Complications
Both dyslexia and ADHD can cause some complications. For example, children with dyslexia may develop anxiety, low self-esteem, social withdrawal and behavioral problems. Both ADHD and dyslexia can cause academic problems. ADHD may lead to an increased risk of problematic behavior, such as alcohol use.
Diagnosis
When diagnosing either ADHD or dyslexia, the medical professional looks for the signs of the disorder. For ADHD, the medical professional uses the criteria described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. In addition to observing the child, the medical professional may also ask the parents and teachers about symptoms. With dyslexia, the medical professional needs to rule out other causes for the reading problems. MayoClinic.com notes that this includes testing the child's neurological, visual and auditory functions. Diagnosis also includes a psychological and educational evaluation.
Treatments
The treatment options differ for ADHD and dyslexia. When treating dyslexia, the focus is on helping the child read. According to MayoClinic.com, a learning specialist helps the child learn to read by integrating visual, tactile and auditory stimuli. For example, during a lesson, the child might listen to a recording. ADHD treatment may involve medications. Options include stimulant medications, such as methylphenidate; non-stimulant medications, such as atomoxetine; and off-label medications, which include high blood pressure medications and antidepressants. Non-pharmacological treatments do exist for ADHD. These include different therapies such as behavior therapy and social skills training, which teaches the patient how to manage the symptoms.
Educational Help
Since both ADHD and dyslexia can interfere with school performance, patients may need special education. LD Online explains that one option is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, which provides special education services. If a child qualifies for IDEA, he receives an individualized education program, which provides guidelines for his educational needs. The National Institute on Mental Health adds that with ADHD patients who do not qualify for IDEA, another option is Section 504, which can also provide for special education.
