What is the difference between ADHD, ADD, autism and dyslexia?
ASK! about Family & Parenting
There are real problems with the use of definitions to describe the way of learning that is stated above. In America the term Learning Difficulties is used. In the UK the term Specific Learning Difficulties is used they both share the common believe that in an Intelligence test the children would come out as average or above average in intelligence. (You can then divide the umbrella terms into sub-headings that describe in more detail the different parts of the umbrella or specific learning difficulties or Learning difficulties.)
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, or if the child is not hyperactive then Attention Deficit Disorder, though many authors seem to use and interchange both definitions. It has been suggested that having ADHD is like living in a fast-moving kaleidoscope, where sounds, images, and thoughts are constantly shifting . This means that the child cannot concentrate, (or shunt they brain) on the task in hand. They need a framework given to them by the teacher to enable them to focus on their learning. Specific targets to be met in each lesson. A concentration table that shows a visual way the length of time the child has focused on learning. Time-out in class, where they can focus on a specific game, the children need constant praise and regular rewards. Teachers need to know what medication your child is taken and if any changes occur in medication. A very small proportion of children with ADHD have a rare disorder called Tourette’s syndrome. Children with Tourette’s have tics and other movements like eye blinks or facial twitches that they cannot control. Others may grimace, shrug, sniff or bark out words. You can be dyslexic and also have ADHD.
Dyslexic and ADHD are both problems with dealing with information that occurs because of tiny differences in brain organization that lead to problems with handling verbal codes or symbols. This is why it appears as a reading and writing problem. The only form of Autism that is considered to under the learning disability or specific learning difficulties is called Aspergers syndrome. Aspergers syndrome is characterized by severe and sustained impairment in social interaction, development of restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, and activities. These characteristics result in clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
In contrast to Autistic disorder (Autism), there are no clinically significant delays in language or cognition or self-help skills or in adaptive behaviour, other than social interaction.
Source : DYSLEXIA ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE
last accessed on 12 March 2007.
If you want to find out more information on “ADHD, ADD, autism and dyslexia”, you may refer to the following books: :
How to raise kids you want to keep : the proven discipline program your kids will love (and that really works!) by Jerry R. Day.
Publisher : Naperville, Ill. : Sourcebooks, c2007.
Call No. : English 649.64 DAY -[FAM]
Click here for item availability.
The everything parent’s guide to children with ADD/ADHD : a reassuring guide to getting the right diagnosis, understanding treatments, and helping your child focus by Linda Sonna.
Publisher : Avon, MA : Adams Media, c2005.
Call No. : English 649.154 SON -[FAM]
Click here for item availability.
Parenting children with ADHD : 10 lessons that medicine cannot teach by Vincent J. Monastra.
Publisher : Washington, DC : American Psychological Association, 2005.
Call No. : English 618.928589 MON -[HEA]
Click here for item availability.
Homespun remedies : strategies in the home and community for children with autism spectrum and other disorders by Dion E. Betts and Nancy J. Patrick.
Publisher : Philadelphia : Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2006.
Call No. : English 649.154 BET -[FAM]
Click here for item availability.
Autism by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen.
Publisher : Detroit, Mich. : KidHaven Press, c2005.
Call No. : J English 616.89 BAR
Click here for item availability.
The autism sourcebook : everything you need to know about diagnosis, treatment, coping, and healing by Karen Siff Exkorn.
Publisher : New York : ReaganBooks, c2005.
Call No. : English 618.928982 EXK -[HEA]
Click here for item availability.
Dyslexia by Gavin Reid.
Publisher : London ; New York : Continuum, c2005.
Call No. : English 371.9144 REI
Click here for item availability.
Dealing with dyslexia and other reading difficulties by Tony Earnshaw, Annabel Seargeant.
Publisher : Singapore : Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2005.
Call No. : SING English 372.43 EAR
Click here for item availability.
Answered by Ms Lynn Chua Wan Leng, Librarian, Children’s Services
Found this question interesting? What do you think? Post your comments.
If you have a different question, please email to mailto:ask@nlb.gov.sg?subject=ASK_blog- instead of sending a comment.
1.what is the difference between slow learners and learning difficulties?
[ASK! Editor replies:
Dear Abida, thank you for your enquiry.
A source from the National Council of Social Services(NCSS) website points that euphemism for “slow learners” can be phrased as a “child/person with learning difficulties/problems.” Thus, it appears that these two terms are used interchangeably.
Slow learners or person(s) who have learning difficulties/problems come under the medical condition, dyslexia. Dyslexia is “is a specific difficulty in reading, writing, and spelling, it is not caused by a lack of intelligence or a lack of opportunity to learn. Research suggests that dyslexia is caused by small, genetically inherited, differences in brain structure and functioning. Dyslexia can affect individuals who are physically and emotionally healthy, highly intelligent, and who come from good home environments. It has been estimated that 3% to 5% of Singaporeans may be dyslexic. The difficulties caused by dyslexia can be overcome with specialist teaching and the use of compensatory strategies.”
(source: http://www.das.org.sg/aboutdyslexia/aboutdyslexia.htm)
For more information, please visit the FAQ page of the Dyslexia Association of Singapore: http://www.das.org.sg/aboutus/faqs.htm
P.S. You can also directly email to NLB’s ASK! service at ask@nlb.gov.sg for any enquiries you may have e.g. school projects, casual enquiries, some questions that’s been bugging you etc. ASK! service will endeavor to reply you within 3 working days with relevant and authoriative resources to your emailed questions.]
Comment by abida — July 6, 2007 @ 12:42 pm