Tag: psychological assessment

March 28, 2023:

The Overlap Between ADHD, Learning Disorders, and Anxiety

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects around 11% of children and adolescents worldwide. Children with ADHD have difficulty sustaining attention, controlling impulsive behavior, and may be hyperactive. The symptoms of ADHD can be similar to those of other conditions, such as learning disorders, and this overlap can sometimes make it challenging to diagnose the disorder accurately.

A learning disorder is a condition that affects the ability to process, store, or produce information. Learning disorders are typically diagnosed when children experience significant difficulties in reading, writing, or mathematics, despite adequate intelligence, teaching, and opportunities to learn. Children with learning disorders may have difficulties with attention, memory, and organization, which can also overlap with symptoms of ADHD.

The symptoms of ADHD and learning disorders can sometimes overlap, making it difficult to distinguish between the two. Children with ADHD may struggle with reading, writing, and mathematics, just like those with learning disorders. However, children with ADHD tend to have more global difficulties with attention, while those with learning disorders tend to struggle with specific aspects of learning.

For example, a child with ADHD may struggle to pay attention during a lesson, leading to difficulties in learning new information. In contrast, a child with a specific learning disorder in reading may have difficulty recognizing words and decoding text, even though they may be able to pay attention and understand the meaning of the words they read.

Anxiety can also play a significant role in the difficulties experienced by children with learning disorders. Anxiety is a common comorbidity in children with learning disorders, and it can exacerbate the symptoms of the disorder. Children with anxiety may experience increased levels of stress and worry, leading to difficulties with attention, memory, and processing speed. Anxiety can also interfere with motivation and confidence, making it challenging for children with learning disorders to engage in learning activities and persist in the face of challenges.

The relationship between ADHD, learning disorders, and anxiety is complex, and it requires careful evaluation by a qualified professional. Accurately diagnosing and treating these conditions is essential for improving the academic and social outcomes of children with these conditions. Treatment may involve a combination of medication, behavioral interventions, and academic accommodations to help children manage their symptoms and succeed in their academic and personal goals.

In conclusion, the symptoms of ADHD and learning disorders can overlap, making it challenging to distinguish between the two. Anxiety can also play a role in the difficulties experienced by children with learning disorders. It is crucial to seek a comprehensive evaluation from a qualified professional to determine the underlying causes of a child’s difficulties and develop an individualized treatment plan to help them succeed in their academic and personal goals.

CASE STUDY: “EMILY”

Emily was an 11-year-old girl who had always struggled in school. She had difficulty paying attention in class, completing homework assignments, and keeping up with her peers academically. Her parents had noticed that Emily had a hard time focusing on tasks at home as well, often getting distracted easily and having difficulty following through on chores or completing projects.

Emily’s parents had tried to help her with her schoolwork, but they were unsure why she was struggling so much. They were concerned that Emily was falling behind her peers and not reaching her full potential. They decided to seek out a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation to better understand Emily’s challenges.

During the evaluation, Emily participated in a series of tests and other tasks to evaluate her cognitive functioning, academic skills, attention, memory, and executive functioning. The evaluation revealed that Emily had ADHD, and she also had a specific learning disorder in reading. Emily’s attention difficulties were impacting her ability to learn, and her reading disorder was further complicating her academic progress.

After the evaluation, Emily’s parents met with a team of professionals, including a psychologist and an educational specialist, to develop an individualized treatment plan to help Emily succeed academically and personally. The team recommended that Emily receive medication to help manage her ADHD symptoms, and they also recommended academic accommodations, including extra time on tests and access to assistive technology, to support her learning.

Emily also began working with an educational specialist who provided her with strategies to improve her reading skills, including phonics instruction and multi-sensory techniques. The specialist also worked with Emily to improve her executive functioning skills, such as planning and organizing, to help her manage her time more effectively and stay on top of her homework assignments.

Over time, Emily’s parents noticed a significant improvement in Emily’s academic and personal life. Emily was able to pay attention in class, complete her homework assignments more efficiently, and make significant progress in her reading skills. Emily’s self-esteem and confidence also improved, and she began to feel more capable and successful in school.

CONCLUSION

Emily’s case highlights the importance of a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation in understanding the underlying causes of a child’s learning difficulties. Through the evaluation, Emily’s parents were able to identify her ADHD and specific learning disorder in reading, which helped them develop an individualized treatment plan to support Emily’s academic and personal growth. With the right interventions, children like Emily can overcome their learning difficulties and reach their full potential.

—Dr. David Butman, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Keystone Psychological Testing & Consulting, a private assessment practice in Doylestown, PA. He specializes in the assessment of ADHD, learning difficulties, emotional and behavioral challenges, executive functioning, attention, and giftedness.

March 10, 2023:

How We So Often Overlook Kids with ADHD

Why do we miss it so often?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person’s ability to pay attention, control impulsive behavior, and regulate activity levels. There are three subtypes of ADHD: predominantly inattentive type, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type, and combined type. However, ADHD inattentive type can often go unnoticed, especially in school-aged children, and even more so in girls.

ADHD inattentive type is characterized by symptoms such as difficulty sustaining attention, forgetfulness, disorganization, and being easily distracted. These symptoms can lead to problems with academic performance, social relationships, and self-esteem. However, because children with ADHD inattentive type are not disruptive or hyperactive, their symptoms may be overlooked or mistaken for laziness or lack of effort.

One of the main reasons why ADHD inattentive type is frequently missed in school-aged children is because the symptoms are not as visible as those of the hyperactive-impulsive subtype. Teachers may not notice a child’s inattention or forgetfulness because the child is not causing disruptions in the classroom. Think about it, how well would you be able to notice a child, who might be sitting in the back of a crowded classroom, struggling to focus? Your attention would more likely be drawn to those kiddos who are talking when they’re not supposed to, being disruptive, squirming in their seat, or poking the kids next to them. As a result, children with ADHD inattentive type may go undiagnosed and untreated, leading to continued academic, social, and emotional difficulties.

Furthermore, girls with ADHD inattentive type often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed because their symptoms may not be as noticeable as those of boys with the hyperactive-impulsive subtype. They may be quiet and well-behaved in class, but struggle to pay attention, stay organized, and complete tasks. Because of this, their difficulties may be attributed to laziness, lack of effort, or emotional issues, rather than a neurological condition.

Girls with ADHD inattentive type may also exhibit symptoms that are more commonly associated with other conditions such as anxiety or depression, making it more difficult to diagnose. For example, a girl who is struggling with anxiety may appear to be daydreaming or not paying attention, when in reality, she is preoccupied with worry or fear.

It is important for parents and teachers to be aware of the signs of ADHD inattentive type in girls, including difficulty completing tasks and homework, forgetfulness and losing things, and low self-esteem. If a girl is exhibiting these symptoms, it is important to consider the possibility of ADHD inattentive type and seek a comprehensive evaluation from a well-trained mental health professional with expertise in spotting the differences between ADHD and other common childhood challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and learning disabilities.

ADHD inattentive type can have a significant impact on a child’s ability to learn and perform in school. Children with this condition may struggle to pay attention in class, which can lead to missed information and difficulty completing assignments. They may also have a hard time organizing their thoughts and materials, which can make studying and completing homework challenging.

In addition, children with ADHD inattentive type may have difficulty following instructions, particularly those that involve multiple steps. This can lead to frustration and confusion and may cause the child to miss important details or make careless mistakes.

Over time, these difficulties can have a negative impact on a child’s academic performance and self-esteem. Children with ADHD inattentive type may feel like they are not as smart or capable as their peers, even though they are just as intelligent and talented. This can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and low self-worth.

What do we do?

It’s important for parents, teachers, and mental health professionals to work together to support children with ADHD inattentive type and help them overcome their challenges. With appropriate accommodations and strategies, children with ADHD inattentive type can thrive in school and achieve their full potential. Some examples of accommodations may include extra time on tests, preferential seating, and breaking down assignments into smaller, more manageable tasks. By understanding the unique needs of children with ADHD inattentive type and providing the support they need to succeed, we can help ensure that they have the best possible chance for a bright future.

While receiving a diagnosis of ADHD inattentive type can be daunting for both the child and their parents, it can also be incredibly empowering. A diagnosis can help explain the difficulties a child may have been experiencing and provide a framework for understanding and managing those challenges.

With the right treatment and support, children with ADHD inattentive type can learn to manage their symptoms and achieve success in school and beyond. Treatment may include medication, behavioral therapy, or a combination of both. Additionally, accommodations and strategies can be put in place to help the child navigate their academic and social environments.

Studies have shown that with appropriate treatment, children with ADHD inattentive type can experience significant improvements in their academic performance, social relationships, and overall quality of life. They can develop a greater sense of self-awareness and self-esteem, as well as improved emotional regulation and executive functioning skills.

Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD inattentive type does not define a child, but rather provides a starting point for understanding and addressing their unique needs. With the right support and resources, children with ADHD inattentive type can overcome their challenges and thrive in all areas of life.

—Dr. David Butman, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Keystone Psychological Testing & Consulting, a private assessment practice in Doylestown, PA. He specializes in the assessment of ADHD, learning difficulties, emotional and behavioral challenges, executive functioning, attention, and giftedness.

February 1, 2023

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by difficulty paying attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. These symptoms can cause problems at home, school, and work, and can negatively impact an individual’s overall functioning.

ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood, but also affects adults. It is typically diagnosed by a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, based on a thorough evaluation of an individual’s symptoms, behaviors, and medical history.

There are several treatment options available for ADHD, and the most effective approach usually involves a combination of interventions. These can include medications, such as stimulants or non-stimulants, as well as behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or parent training. Education and support for individuals with ADHD and their families is an important part of treatment.

It is important to note that ADHD is a complex disorder and treatment should be tailored to the individual’s specific needs. Working with a mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychotherapist, or psychiatrist, is key in developing an effective treatment plan.

While living with ADHD can be challenging, it is important to remember that with proper treatment and support, individuals with ADHD can lead fulfilling and successful lives. It is important to seek help if you or a loved one is experiencing difficulty with attention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity, as early intervention can greatly improve outcomes.

—Dr. David Butman, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Keystone Psychological Testing & Consulting, a private assessment practice in Doylestown, PA. He specializes in the assessment of ADHD, learning difficulties, emotional and behavioral challenges, executive functioning, attention, and giftedness.