Is it common to have adhd without a learning disability?

I have adhd without a learning disability and read in a book that this is rare and that that most people with adhd have a learning disability. By the way, even though I don't have a learning disability, would I be considered slow, because I have adhd?

Hi mjurecki89 -

Great questions, and I think the answer will vary based on who / what you are reading.

Yes, it is very common for a person diagnosed with ADHD to also have what is called a comorbid or coexisting condition. This includes depression, bipolar disorder, and as you are asking - learning disabilities.

Now, just because they are common does not necessarily mean they are always present.

As for the last part of your question, NO you would not and are NOT considered "slow" because you have ADHD. Some people (who are misinformed) might think that of you -- but in no way are you slow because of ADHD.

ADHD is pretty much misunderstood by the general population to mean that someone has difficulty with attention, concentration, follow through, etc...

BUT, a person with ADHD can also be rather quite successful if they have the right tools, supports, strategies, and resources in their life.

My advice, consider yourself "different" and not disordered or disabled. Find your passion, and follow that.

Hope this helps.

All the best,

Rory

Rory F. Stern, PsyD
ADHD Coach & "Former" Therapist
http://www.ADHDFamilyOnline.com

Its true that a much higher percentage of people with ADHD than the normal population have a learning disabilty. But most people with ADHD don't have a serious learning disability.

Many, many people with ADHD dont have a learning disability at all. Around 1/3 of ADHDers don't have one. Of those that do most are very mild and undiagnosed. The most common one is dysgraphia which is a basically poor handwriting.

However, most people with ADHD do have difficulty learning. Due to an inability to sit still in the classroom, concentrate on school work and homework and pay attention to what the teacher is saying.

You would not be considered slow. Kids with ADHD are not considered slow and nor are kids with learning disabilities. In fact learning disabilities often occur in very very intelligent kids.

Many people with ADHD are condsidered rather bright. They may not process all the information, since they are often distracted and may not be paying attention. That does not, however, mean they are not smart. There may appear to be a factor present that makes them seem as though they aren't learning. I can say, for certain that my son was quite bright, even as a baby and toddler. ADHD children just have a tendancy to limit what they actually absorb, to the things that interest them, since that is what they will concentrate on, the best. Often, once they are in a place where they can study or concentrate on the things they really like or are interested in, they will absorb those things. Thomas Edison was considered ADHD. He was certainly not unintelligent.

Yes. Although ADHD and learning disabilities occur together pretty often, they are not a pair. I don't know what book you are reading but I am an LD specialist and I wouldn't call your situation quite "rare."

As to your second question, neither learning disabilities nor ADHD are associated with being "slow." In fact, many people with ADHD find that their brains seem to run a mile a minute. People with ADHD tend to be creative thinkers, problem solvers, and inventors. You may have a hard time in school and might not get good grades (at least not easily) but that doesn't mean you're "slow" or not smart.

sometimes