Research abstract

How Do ADD, Dyslexia, and Auditory Processing Disorder Overlap? 

What do rising rates of ADHD indicate? Researchers suspect that many diagnoses of ADHD and dyslexia could actually be misdiagnosed Auditory Processing Disorder. Don’t let your child take prescription drugs before your doctor takes a scan of the brain! By Lynn Gover

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Some students experience an overlap of learning difficulties like dyslexia, Attention Deficit, and Auditory Processing challenges. Some educators don’t even know that these challenges can overlap so students who have these differences may be a source of stress to their teachers that can be resolved with training and appropriate knowledge.
The science behind these kinds of overlaps is incredibly beneficial to educators, students, and parents, when these challenges are faced. There are many resources available to educational professionals and parents on these topics and investing time in understanding them may just be the key to changing the educational landscape for students.

Key takeaways

  1. Children who appear to not be paying attention may actually be having a hard time with the interpretation of the lessons and meanings of the words.
  2. Family history of children with dyslexia has an affect on the child and may make it harder for the child to with auditory processing.
  3. Early recognition and intervention to improve auditory processing can have a significant positive impact on the ability for the child to learn.

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A screener is a starting point, not a diagnosis. If your child might need formal accommodations (an IEP or 504 plan), or you suspect a vision, hearing or medical cause, pursue a professional evaluation too. That is the only route to those supports.

Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert Writes about the learning brain for parents who want plain answers. Every article is grounded in current neuroscience and classroom practice.