Attention and Learning Problems: Which Came First? - Page 3

Succeeding with LD and AD/HD: Targeted Interventions and Positive Supports

Once learning and attention problems are identified a multi-modal management plan should be developed. LD and AD/HD are chronic problems but functioning can be improved with targeted interventions and positive, strength-based approaches.

Children with learning disabilities benefit from specialized instruction targeting their processing deficits in a systematic manner. If they qualify as having a Specific Learning Disability (SLD) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed to meet their needs.

Interventions for children with AD/HD should include positive behavior management, educational interventions and medication when appropriate. Behavior management at home and school should emphasize increased structure, reinforcement for appropriate behavior and avoid punitive punishments. If AD/HD results in substantial educational impairment they can qualify for an IEP under the Other Health Impaired (OHI) category. If a child with AD/HD doesn't qualify under IDEA but requires supports, modifications or accommodations in the classroom a Section 504 plan may be implemented.

Medication can be an important part of the treatment program for children with ADHD. Medications, such as Ritalin®, Adderall® or Strattera®, improve capacity for sustained, effortful attention and impulse control. However, medications do not teach better skills or extinguish bad behaviors. Appropriate educational and behavioral interventions are still essential. Medications can help a child with ADHD be more available to absorb and apply new skills and to be able to reflect (at least briefly!) before acting. Response to medication cannot be used as a "test" for AD/HD. Only about 70% of children with AD/HD respond to the first medication tried. Even if a child shows behavioral improvement, medication will not address an underlying learning disability. When both LD and AD/HD are present medication can help support the extra "brain work" needed to compensate for processing problems.

The key to long-term success for children with LD and/or AD/HD is a positive attitude and an emphasis on developing strengths. Parents and teachers should foster a resilient, problem-solving approach to life's challenges. Children should have opportunities to devise alternative ways of meeting goals, develop their talents and use their skills to help others. A child should not be limited by their learning or attention differences, but inspired to achieve by using their different strengths and passions.

AD/HD and LD References:

Organizations

• National Center for Learning Disabilities
• CH.A.D.D. (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders). The federally funded National Resource Center (NRC) toll-free number (800-233-4050); English and Spanish.
• National Association of School Psychologists, NASP Center at 4340 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814

Books for Professionals

• Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed- text revision.: DSM-IV-TR. (2000) Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association
• DuPaul GJ, Stoner G. ADHD in the Schools: Assessment and Intervention Strategies. 2nd ed. , (2003) New York: Guilford Press
• Reif, S. How to Reach and Teach ADD/ADHD Students: Practical Techniques, Strategies, and Interventions for Helping Children with Attention Problems and Hyperactivity Revised. (2005) San Francisco: Jossey-Bass
• Swanson, HLee (Ed); Harris, Karen R (Ed); et al. Handbook of Learning Disabilities. (2003). New York, NY, US: Guilford Press.

Books for Parents

• Levine MD. One Mind At A Time (2002). New York: Simon and Schuster.
• Shaywitz S. Overcoming Dyslexia: A New and Complete Science-Based Program for Reading Problems at Any Level MD (2003) New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
• Reiff MI, Tippins S. ADHD: A Complete and Authoritative Guide. (2004) Elk Grove Village: American Academy of Pediatrics Press.
• Silver, L. The Misunderstood Child: Understanding and Coping with Your Child's Learning Disabilities, 4th Edition (2006) New York: McGraw Hill.

References

• Aaron PG, Joshi RM, Palmer H, et al. Separating genuine cases of reading disability from reading deficits cause by predominantly inattentive AD/HD behavior. Journal of Learning Disabilities (2002) 35, 425-435.
• American Academy of Pediatrics. Clinical Practice Guideline: Diagnosis and Evaluation of the Child with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Pediatrics (2000) 105:1158-70.
• American Academy of Pediatrics, Subcommittee on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Committee on Quality Improvement. Clinical Practice Guideline: Treatment of the School-age Child with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Pediatrics (2001) 108:1033-44.
• Biederman J, Monuteaux MC, et al. Impact of Executive Function Deficits and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) on Academic Outcomes in Children, Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (2004) 72(5):757-766.
• Cutting LE; Koth CW; Mahone EM, Denckla MB. Evidence for Unexpected Weaknesses in Learning in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Without Reading Disabilities. Journal of Learning Disabilities. (2003) 36(3):257-267.
• Fletcher JM, Shaywitz SE, Shaywitz BA. Comorbidity of Learning and ADHD: Separate but Equal. Pediatric Clinics of North America (1999) 46(5):8885-898.
• Hazell PL, Carr VJ, et al. Effortful and Automatic Information Processing in Boys with ADHD and Specific Learning Disorders. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry (1999). 40(2):275-286.
• Mayes SD, Calhoun SL, Crowell EW. Learning Disabilities and ADHD: Overlapping Spectrum Disorders. Journal of Learning Disabilities (2000) 33(5):417-24.
• Miller KJ. Executive Functions. Pediatric Annals (2005)34(4):310-317.
• Semrud-Clikeman M. Neuroimaging and Psychopharmacology. School Psychology Quarterly (2005) 20(2):172-186.
• Willcutt EG; Pennington BF, et al. A Comparison of the Cognitive Deficits in Reading Disability and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Journal of Abnormal Psychology.