A child who has trouble reading or paying attention in school may be suffering from attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder or dyslexia. While the two can appear similar in some ways, they are radically different in others. According to MayoClinic.com, a person with ADHD has difficulty sitting still or following through on instructions, often making seemingly careless mistakes with schoolwork. A dyslexic child, on the other hand, has problems specific to reading and processing written information.
Step 1
Observe the child in a school setting. Notice whether his behavior in general seems out of control or his speech seems pressured. Pay special attention to the child's focus and level of difficulty when reading.
Step 2
Ask the child to read aloud. A dyslexic person may read more slowly than others her age, or make wild guesses at new words rather than sounding them out. If she has trouble appreciating or understanding rhymes, this can also be a sign of dyslexia.
Step 3
Look at the child's handwriting. Letters that are out of order and very sloppy handwriting can indicate dyslexia. A child with ADHD may be unable to sit still long enough to write out words fully, or may seem extremely rushed when writing. However, letters are generally not out of order in the same way they are with dyslexia.
Step 4
Pay attention to the child's overall behavior. A dyslexic child may demonstrate more social aptitude than one with ADHD, who may throw frequent tantrums or become easily frustrated when asked to sit still for any length of time. Someone with dyslexia generally does not find it difficult to remain focused on tasks that do not involve reading.
Step 5
Consult a child psychologist, who can perform a complete assessment. If your child is falling behind in school and extra tutoring doesn't seem to help, a psychologist may be able to suggest behavioral or educational intervention that can help him succeed.
