What Are the Signs of ADHD-Related Learning Disabilities? 

Children with ADHD learning disabilities often exhibit difficulties that go beyond typical ADHD symptoms such as inattention and hyperactivity. These children can also experience challenges with reading, writing, and processing information, which are typically associated with learning disabilities. 

How It Helps 

One of the key signs of ADHD learning disabilities is difficulty with processing issues, including challenges with understanding or retaining information. For instance, a child with ADHD may struggle to follow along during lessons, find it difficult to organise their thoughts, or take longer to complete assignments. These issues can affect their performance in school, often leading to frustration and low self-esteem. 

In some cases, children with ADHD may also present with dyslexia, a specific learning difficulty that affects reading and writing skills. They might have trouble decoding words, recognising letter sounds, and spelling. This can lead to significant delays in their academic progress compared to their peers, as they may struggle with tasks that involve reading, writing, or maths. 

Identifying ADHD learning disabilities early is crucial in developing appropriate interventions. Teachers and parents can help by offering tailored support, such as breaking tasks into smaller steps, using multisensory techniques, and providing extra time for tasks. These strategies can help mitigate the challenges faced by children with ADHD and learning disabilities, giving them a better chance of academic success. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.   

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Clinical interviews and History Taking.

Harriet Winslow, BSc

Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

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.