Specific Learning Disorder and ADHD

[ELucas13]

We just got through our school evaluation for our son to get him his IEP. His ADHD got in the way of his evaluation a bit, however, they categorized him with "Specific Learning Disorder" which appears to me that it's completely "non-specific."

Does anyone have any shared experiences with this? We were thinking he had dyslexia and/or dysgraphia and they couldn't definitively say if he did partly because his ADHD is so present. He will be starting Orton-Gillingham in the fall at his school as he begins third grade.

[Spedparent610]

Hi!I just join this and was on to introduce myself but saw your post and wanted to reach out. I am a mother of two girl both with ADHD and many other comorbid gifts (that is what I like to call them 🙂). I also am a Special Education teacher for 23 years and a Special Efucation Advocate so have years of knowledge behind me. Just going off what you stated and without knowing age or any specifics, sounds like your child exhibited a reading concern and results indicated such. The OG program is one of the top programs for reading difficulties and is researched based for use with those struggling g with dyslexia. The specific diagnosis is important but the proper services is and should be at the forefront of your advocacy for your child. I would suggest understanding how they are going to assess progress and ensure that you yourself keep records of this data as if progress is not occurring then program services should be adjusted. I hope that I answered your questions and any concerns as I know this process can be emotional, scary, unpredictable and aggravating all at the same time. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Take care and wish you well!

[Onthemove1971]

Thanks for joining the group, we are excited you are here and welcome you!

All children are individual and that is why thr IEP is so unique. Many children who have ADHD are serviced under the Other Health Impaired "label".

When a child has a "Specific Learning" label they will usually be assigned to a specialist who know about learning differences who can write goals and focus on areas of concern, I am assuming that is why they suggested that. They will still assist him with issues related to the ADHD and they will help him with his learning struggles. I hope this makes sense. But just like the other post said, it will be important to keep track on his progress and make adjustments when needed.

Welcome!

[Imakecutebabies]

Hi there, as a former special educator, I can tell you that the school cannot diagnose dyslexia or dysgraphia specifically, only that a child has a learning disability, along with areas of need (in your child's case, likely reading and writing). So an SLD diagnosis, while being in fact very unspecific, is the correct "category" for a child with suspected dyslexia or dysgraphia, and goals should be written to address those specific areas of need.