

It is not uncommon for individuals with attention difficulties to co-present with dyspraxia – learn more about ADHD vs. Dyspraxia is a motor difficulty that may make it painful to hold a pen or pencil when writing by hand. As it interrupts the decoding and encoding processes, reading and writing become very difficult tasks. Dyslexia is a language based learning difficulty that makes it hard to sound out words in reading and spelling.

Other learning and motor difficultiesĬhildren and adults with ADD and ADHD are more likely to struggle with a secondary learning difference as well. Learn more about ADD, ADHD and the difference between them. They don’t cause disturbances and it isn’t until poor performance on tests and assignments is revealed that anyone recognizes there may be a problem. That’s because they may appear to be paying attention. In fact, it is common for children with ADD to fly under a teacher’s radar in class. Someone with ADD may behave very differently than an individual with hyperactivity. However, ADD is now grouped under the umbrella term ADHD and described as a primarily inattentive presentation of ADHD. It describes attention difficulties when hyperactivity and impulsivity is not present. In the early 1980s, ADD was also the preferred terminology in the US. ADHDĪDD is still a term commonly used in the UK. That's because being unafraid to try new things - also described as risk-taking – makes them more likely to come up with a new angle or approach that can lead to success in entrepreneurial pursuits. These people are not just determined but can also be great problem solvers. They are often described as having a great passion for everything they do and an unstoppable energy that makes them a force to be reckoned with. In fact, many children and adults with ADD and ADHD are extremely clever. Moreover, attention difficulties are not an indication of low intelligence. It’s important to recognize that no two people with ADD or ADHD are exactly alike and everyone has their own unique set of strengths and weaknesses. Attention difficulties are not something you grow out of, but many adults develop coping skills to help them get by. Someone with an undiagnosed learning difficulty may struggle with a secret sense of shame, believing they are not as smart or as capable as their peers. They can be prone to emotional outbursts and can feel overly flustered and anxious when under stress. Individuals with attention difficulties may have trouble sleeping and staying organized. Note, there are plenty of positives that come with attention difficulties too, including creativity, periods of hyperfocus, resilience and honed problem solving skills - learn more about ADHD strengths in this article. Symptoms can include difficulty focusing, impulsivity and forgetfulness. Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are commonly discussed in reference to school-age children, but some estimates suggest that up to 4% of the adult population also struggles with attention difficulties.
