About Learning Disabilities and AD/HD

A learning disability is a disorder that affects a person's ability to either interpret what they hear or see or to link information from different parts of the brain. Although the individual with a learning disability has an average or above average IQ, the disability becomes evident in both academic and social situations. The individual can have marked difficulties on certain types of tasks while excelling at others.

Learning disabilities arise from perceptual problems leading to significant delays in important learning challenges. Often, this condition is referred to as a "hidden disability" since few, if any, obvious external characteristics cause the individual to be seen as "different" initially. Valid assessments of individuals with learning disabilities require the exclusion of other disabling conditions - mental retardation, emotional disturbance, cultural disadvantage, and sensory deprivation.

AD/HD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is considered to be a neurobiological disability that interferes with a person’s ability to sustain attention or focus on a task and to control impulsive behaviour. We may all have difficulty sitting still, paying attention or controlling impulses, but for some people the problem is so chronic and persistent that it gets in the way of daily life—at home, at school, at work and in social settings.

AD/HD is not a learning disability (LD). Each is a distinctive neurologically based disorder. Each is recognized and diagnosed differently. And each is treated in a different way. The treatment for AD/HD will not correct LD. The treatment for LD will not help AD/HD. About 30% to 40% of people with LD will also have AD/HD, so if one disorder is found it is important to look for the other.

LD/ADHD In Depth

Articles about a wide-variety of topics concerning learning disabilities and ADHD.

LD/ADHD Information Websites

Links to other websites wtih more information about learning disabilities and/or ADHD

Resource Links

Links to organizations locally and nationally that have programs of interest to people with learning disabilities and/or ADHD

PERSPECTIVES Magazine

 The LDAA-CC produces a quarterly magazine, called PERSPECTIVES. It provides current information on issues relevant to people with learning disabilities and AD/HD as well as updates on program & services offered by the LDAA-CC. If you have any ideas or suggestions for our magazine, send us an email.