Is ADHD a Learning Disability?

by Dr. Liz, February 22, 2022

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is not considered a learning disability (LD). However, between 30 and 50 percent of people with ADHD also have a specific learning disability. Each condition makes learning difficult, and people with both conditions can find learning extremely challenging (Learning Disabilities Association of America, n.d.).

umbrella of learning disabilities According to the Learning Disabilities Association of America, the umbrella term “learning disabilities”, covers a range of neurologically based disorders in learning. While a LD affects the ability to read, write, do math, or coordinate movements, ADHD affects skills related to controlling impulses and maintaining focus (Cunningham, n.d.). Because ADHD “does not influence specific aspects of education, such as the ability to understand language or the written word” (Villines, 2021), it is not considered a learning disability. Doctors and mental health professionals refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5) to diagnose both ADHD and learning disabilities (Villines, 2021).

DSM-5 Definitions

The DSM-5 classifies LD and ADHD as neurodevelopmental disorders - conditions associated with the neurological system and brain – which are frequently diagnosed in childhood.

Learning Disabilities

The DSM-5 uses the term specific learning disorder (SLD) instead of learning disability. According to the manual, the disorder is biological in origin, and affects the brain’s ability to “perceive or process verbal or nonverbal information efficiently and accurately” (p. 68). People diagnosed with SLD have normal levels of intellectual functioning.

It is common for SLD to co-occur with ADHD. Both conditions can lead to poor academic performance, but SLD reflects “specific difficulties in learning academic skills” and ADHD reflects “difficulties in performing those skills” (p. 74).

ADHD

The DSM-5 calls ADHD a neurodevelopmental disorder “characterized by symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity” (p. 4). People with ADHD have trouble with executive functions like problem solving, working memory, planning, response inhibition, cognitive flexibility, vigilance, and alertness.

Legal Definitions

Various laws that protect students with disabilities define SLD and LD in different ways. Students in K-12 are protected by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and college students are protected by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and Section 504.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

list of IDEA's 13 categories of disability “The IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to eligible infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities” (US Department of Education, n.d.). There are thirteen categories of disability under IDEA, one being SLD. The law defines SLD as:

A disorder in 1 or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, which disorder may manifest itself in the imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or do mathematical calculations.

The SLD category includes conditions like dysgraphia, dyslexia, and dyscalculia. ADHD is not mentioned in the IDEA but is generally accepted as falling under the category of “other health impairments” which covers conditions that “limit a child’s strength, energy, or alertness” like executive functions and attention (Lee, n.d.).

ADA/Section 504

College students with ADHD are protected from discrimination by the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act as long as their ADHD impacts a major life function (such as learning). Colleges are required by law to make reasonable accommodations to students who qualify as disabled, as specified in Section 104.44 of Subpart E of Section 504 and Title II of the ADA. Reasonable accommodations allow students with disabilities to compete equally with their non-disabled peers. Both are civil rights laws that protect people with disabilities from discrimination.

By definition, a disability is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. Most learning disabilities and ADHD substantially limit the affected person's ability to learn.

Twice Exceptional

two child's wooden blocks one showing 2 one showing E Research shows that LD and ADHD often co-exist. Russell Barkley, author of Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete Authoritative Guide for Parents, says children with ADHD are more likely to have a learning disability than children who do not have ADHD (Sinfield, 2021). The term “twice exceptional” (sometimes shortened to “2E”) describes people, usually gifted intellectually, who also have a learning disability or a neurological challenge, like ADHD (Postma, 2021).

Whatever You Have, Get the Help You Deserve!

Whether you have been diagnosed with ADHD, LD, or a combination, talk to your Disability Services Office. They can help you get qualified for accommodations to put you on equal footing with your peers without disabilities.

Sources:
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5). Retrieved from American Psychiatric Association: https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm
Cunningham, B. (n.d.). Is ADHD a learning disability? Retrieved from Understood.org: https://www.understood.org/articles/en/is-adhd-a-learning-disability
Guerin, L. (n.d.). Are Learning Disabilities Covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? Retrieved from Disability Secrets: https://www.disabilitysecrets.com/resources/disability/disability-discrimination/american-disability-act-are-learning-disabilitie#:~:text=Learning%20disabilities%20generally%20qualify%20as%20disabilities%20under%20the%20ADA.&text=The%20federal%20Americans
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. (2004, December 3). PUBLIC LAW 108–446. Retrieved from Center for Parent Information and Resources: https://www.parentcenterhub.org/wp-content/uploads/repo_items/PL108-446.pdf
Learning Disabilities Association of America. (n.d.). ADHD: Affects focus, attention and behavior and can make learning challenging. Retrieved from Learning Disabilities Association of America: https://ldaamerica.org/disabilities/adhd/#:~:text=ADHD%20is%20not%20considered%20to,to%20receive%20special%20education%20services
Lee, A. M. (n.d.). The 13 disability categories under IDEA. Retrieved from understood.org: https://www.understood.org/articles/en/conditions-covered-under-idea
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2019, March 27). Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder Information Page. Retrieved from National Institutes of Health: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/all-disorders/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-information-page#disorders-r1
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2019, March 27). Learning Disabilities Information Page. Retrieved from National Institutes of Health: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Learning-Disabilities-Information-Page
Postma, M. (2021, April 16). What Does Twice Exceptional Mean? Identifying and Nurturing Gifted Children with ADHD. Retrieved from Attitude Magazine: https://www.additudemag.com/twice-exceptional-adhd-signs/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CTwice%20exceptional%E2%80%9D%20(2e),disorder%20(ADHD%20or%20ADD)
Sinfield, J. (2021, January 21). The Relationship Between ADHD and Learning Disabilities. Retrieved from VeryWellMind: https://www.verywellmind.com/is-adhd-a-learning-disability-4116126
US Department of Education. (n.d.). About IDEA. Retrieved from Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: https://sites.ed.gov/idea/about-idea/
Villines, Z. (2021, June 13). How can ADHD impact learning? Retrieved from Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-adhd-a-learning-disability#how-it-impacts-learning

Images:
Umbrella: https://directindia.org/resources/learning-disabilities-and-brain/
Neurodevelopmental disorders: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Understanding-autism-and-other-neurodevelopmental-Homberg-Kyzar/e8bfccea5d47ba723e6530fd6e7b2127e2ab198a
Boy with thought bubbles: https://www.foothillsacademy.org/community-services/parent-education/parent-articles/confusing_adhd_and_ld
Twice Exceptional: https://www.additudemag.com/twice-exceptional-adhd-signs/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CTwice%20exceptional%E2%80%9D%20(2e),disorder%20(ADHD%20or%20ADD)

Specific questions and topic suggestions can be emailed to questions@ADHDinCollege.com.