Can hyperactivity exacerbate learning disabilities in ADHD?

PostedAugust 25, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 5, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Victoria Rowe, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Hyperactivity can make learning disabilities even harder to manage for students with ADHD. Many children with ADHD already face academic struggle due to difficulties with focus and organisation, but when combined with conditions like dyslexia, the challenges increase significantly.

Understanding the link between ADHD and dyslexia, as well as other school-related difficulties, helps families and educators create better support plans. Restlessness and impulsivity can distract students from lessons and make it harder to practise the skills they need to overcome their school challenges.

How Hyperactivity Affects Learning

Here are some ways hyperactivity can intensify learning disabilities, and strategies to help:

Disrupted Focus

Constant movement and distractibility can prevent students from absorbing material, worsening problems with reading, writing, or maths. Individualised teaching plans and frequent breaks can help maintain attention.

Poor Task Completion

Students with ADHD may rush through assignments or leave them unfinished, making it difficult to reinforce new skills. Clear, step-by-step instructions and positive reinforcement can improve follow-through.

Increased Frustration and Low Confidence

Struggling in both behaviour and academics can lead to anxiety, avoidance, or acting out. Supportive environments that celebrate small wins and provide tailored interventions can rebuild confidence.

By recognising the combined impact of ADHD and learning disabilities, caregivers and schools can better meet children’s needs. Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and guidance on managing both learning and behaviour. For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Hyperactivity.

Victoria Rowe, MSc

Author

Victoria Rowe is a health psychologist with a Master’s in Health Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She has experience as a school psychologist, conducting behavioural assessments, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting children’s mental health. Dr. Rowe has contributed to peer-reviewed research on mental health, including studies on anxiety disorders and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems. Skilled in SPSS, Minitab, and academic writing, she is committed to advancing psychological knowledge and promoting well-being through evidence-based practice.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.