Is ADD a Learning Disability?

As a parent, noticing that your child struggles to pay attention, stay organized, or follow through with tasks can be concerning - especially if they are underperforming on school tests or receiving below-par report cards.

You may even have wondered if these challenges are part of a more specific difficulty, such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). This condition affects many children, leading to difficulties in school and everyday activities. 

But is ADD a learning disability (which you can learn more about in our Guide to Learning Disabilities) and is it lifelong, or can we strengthen the brain to help children - and adults as well - overcome their difficulties? Understanding ADD and the power of neuroplasticity can help you find the right support for your child.

In this blog, we'll explore what ADD is, why it’s the same as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the signs and symptoms to look for, why it presents uniquely in each child, and how cognitive training can help children overcome their difficulties.

How is ADD Different From ADHD?

Before we get into what ADD is and some symptoms of this difficulty, let’s first address this common question head-on: “What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?”

While these two terms are often used interchangeably, with many believing they mean slightly different things, the truth is that ADD and ADHD are technically the same thing.

In fact, ADD is simply the old way of referring to ADHD. In 1980, the American Psychiatric Association referred to ADHD as only ADD with or without hyperactivity.

By 1987, the term had changed from ADD to ADHD to include three different types of difficulties:

1. The hyperactive/impulsive type
2. The inattentive type
3. The combined type

With that in mind, ADHD is now the catch-all diagnosis for all of the different types of attention disorders, with ADD being a specific type of ADHD (the inattentive type).

What is ADD?

ADD is primarily characterized by inattention, distractibility and poor organizational skills, although - as we will cover later in this blog - it looks different for every individual who experiences it.

Children with ADD may appear dreamy, forgetful, or disorganized, and they often struggle to complete tasks, follow instructions, or maintain focus for extended periods of time.

While ADD now falls under the same umbrella term of ADHD, it would now be classified as ADHD - Inattentive type as it does not involve excessive movement or impulsive behaviours.

Children who fall under the hyperactive type of ADHD may exhibit behaviours such as fidgeting, restlessness, and impulsive decision-making, while those who fall under the inattentive type might be less physically active but still face significant challenges in maintaining attention, organizing tasks, and following through with plans.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Inattentive ADHD?

There are a wide range of signs and symptoms of inattentive ADHD, which can significantly impact academic performance, social interactions, and daily routines, leading to frustration and a sense of underachievement for the individual.

While the signs and symptoms differ for each individual, here are some common ones:

• Inattention: Difficulty sustaining focus on tasks or activities, especially those that are not immediately rewarding or stimulating.
• Disorganization: Struggling to keep track of personal belongings, school assignments, or household chores.
• Forgetfulness: Frequently forgetting appointments, deadlines, or instructions.
• Procrastination: Delaying tasks, often leading to last-minute rushes or incomplete work.
• Easily Distracted: Becoming easily sidetracked by irrelevant stimuli or daydreaming.
• Difficulty Following Instructions: Struggling to follow through with multi-step instructions or plans.
• Poor Time Management: Underestimating the time required to complete tasks and frequently running late.

Why ADHD Looks Different for Every Individual

Arrowsmith understands that ADHD, as well as all other learning disabilities, occur due to the unique makeup of our brains. That’s because no matter what task we are performing - whether learning in school, socializing with friends, or completing a project at work - networks of cognitive functions are at play within our brain.

There are many distinct cognitive functions, and they all operate along a continuum of capacity from challenging to excelling. The stronger our cognitive capacity, the better we are at learning and performing tasks related to the cognitive functions in use, but the weaker our capacity capacity the more difficult we will find tasks associated with those cognitive functions.

So, what does this mean when it comes to individuals with ADHD? It means that everyone who has ADHD will experience it differently. Each individual will have different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to their cognitive capacity, and, as a result, the challenges they experience will differ.

To find out your child’s unique cognitive profile of strengths and weaknesses, you can take the Arrowsmith Cognitive Questionnaire for free.

So, is ADD a Learning Disability?

While ADD (now known as ADHD) presents significant challenges, it is not a learning disability in the “traditional sense”. Instead, it is a neurological condition that affects attention and Executive Functioning. However, the symptoms of ADHD can interfere with learning, making it difficult for children to achieve their full academic potential.

Arrowsmith understands that ADHD doesn’t need to be lifelong. Through cognitive training programs that harness the power of neuroplasticity (which you can learn more about in our Neuroplasticity Guide), children with ADHD can strengthen their cognitive functions and overcome the difficulties associated with inattention and disorganization.

How ADHD Can Be Overcome Through Cognitive Training That Harnesses the Power of Neuroplastic Change

Arrowsmith has a unique understanding of what is possible. While the world has traditionally believed learning disabilities and other neurological conditions such as ADHD to be lifelong, in fact our brains have the remarkable ability to change and adapt.

This quality is known as neuroplasticity. By harnessing the principles of neuroplastic change Arrowsmith has spent years of practice and making research-informed developments to design programs proven to strengthen the brain of individuals of all ages.

Arrowsmith understands your child's unique cognitive profile - through an Arrowsmith Cognitive Assessment - then builds a program of cognitive exercises that target and strengthen the cognitive functions that are underperforming, so individuals can overcome their ADHD.

When your child is able to address their ADHD, they’ll be more confident, perform better at school and significantly enhance their ability to focus - leading to a more fulfilling and happier life.

Want to find out your child’s unique cognitive profile? The Arrowsmith Cognitive Assessment is a good place to start. Starting with an in-depth insight into their cognitive profile, Arrowsmith provides recommendations that offer a comprehensive solution: addressing ADHD at the core.