Is it common?

[BaylorFan]

As I am reading through so many of these post we are new to all of this and only age 5 it seems as if the majority have some other learning disabilities along with the ADHD is this true? Is it common? At what age did you start noticing it?

[Hidden]

It is very common for children with ADHD to have coexisting disorders. My son who is 12 has epilepsy, learning disabilities, speech, and anxiety

[ASMomma00]

My daughter has anxiety along with ADHD.

[BaylorFan in reply to ASMomma00]

Was the anxiety diagnosis after her ADHD?

[carmenaurora]

It is common ADHD coexisting with others disorders. My son has 6yr and has learning disabilities, speech, ocupational problems and sensory procesing problems.

[BaylorFan in reply to carmenaurora]

Did they discover they at the time they did the testing for the ADHD or is it things that was picked up on after treatment started

[carmenaurora in reply to BaylorFan]

All were detected before ADHD, during its development. ADHD was the last diagnosis received. He was diagnosed with ADHD at almost 5 years old.

[Pennywink]

As previously mentioned, it’s very common to have comorbidities with ADHD. The ADHD may be diagnosed first, especially if it involves Hyperactivity, as that can stand out more. Though I wouldn’t suggest that ADHD treatment causes the comorbid condition, and in some cases exactly the opposite.

Here is an article from Additude Magazine, though I typically here the number is closer to 80% of people with ADHD also have a comorbid condition (the article says. 50%)

additudemag.com/when-its-no...

[carmenaurora in reply to Pennywink]

I would like to know your opinion. Then one might think that the comorbidity condition causes ADHD? I explain, that this other condition leads the person to also have ADHD.

[Pennywink in reply to carmenaurora]

This might be a bigger answer than I have time for this morning (time get everyone ready for school.) Let me get back to you later when I can have a more thoughtful / researched answer.

[Pennywink in reply to carmenaurora]

Sorry for the delayed response.

Right now, I don't any research from trusted sources indicating any clear causal relationships between ADHD and co-existing conditions. There are definitely relationships, just no established cause / effect between the two.

However, I have heard it hypothesized (ie, not proven) that untreated ADHD can perhaps lead to some of the behavioral problems. I would imagine if I had a neurological condition that led to other constantly scolding me, I would probably develop an anxiety or defiance disorder. But, as previously mentioned, at the moment I haven't found proven cause & effect. It can equally be that people with ADHD are just more susceptible to substance abuse, versus untreated ADHD causing the substance abuse.

I have heard it theorized that ODD is more likely an emotional component of ADHD. But that is the only one I've read that has been hinted to have a stronger relationship.

chadd.org/understanding-adh...

[Bethany11]

My son was diagnosed ADHD at age 6 and has been in speech therapy for articulation since he was 3. We recently discovered he also has slow processing speed. This has been tremendous information and has helped to explain and understand a lot of what has been driving his behavior and why.

[Janice_H]

Hi, I can recall my son being "busy" or not able to calm down around the age of 18 mos. He seemed to always be on the go, climbing, running, jumping, moving from one activity to the next. He was never able to sit still at meal time and never stayed with one game or toy for more than a minute or so.

He was first diagnosed with ADHD when in kindergarten. I am thankful for a teachers' aide who noticed the behavior and that his work samples were different from other children in the class. She suggested I have him evaluated. He is now 11 and has an IEP at school, a therapist, psychologist and OT services to address all of his concerns.

[Vickie109]

My son was diagnosed 2 years ago at age 7. So far, he does not have any other coexisting conditions. Simply ADHD. We keep asking his teachers about things, thinking that he must have other difficulties. Doesn't need any special plans yet either. Just needs a good dose of motivation to do his best. Doesn't care sometimes, just flies through work to get on to the next thing.

[BaylorFan in reply to Vickie109]

Glad to hear that we have noticed anything but haven’t started any medication yet either.