When we at Reading Success Plus work with struggling students or youngsters with learning disabilities, we often also must work with ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Studies show that 30-40% of individuals with dyslexia have ADHD, and 15-40% of those with ADHD are believed to have dyslexia.
At Reading Success Plus, we do not try to “treat” ADHD. That’s the realm of family doctors and psychologists. But we do try to understand it and to create an atmosphere in which students with ADHD can thrive. We don’t see ADHD as something that necessarily prevents learning. Rather, it requires the students, teachers, parents, and tutors to find an effective way to learn and teach. RSP tries to teach in the manner that the student learns best.
“We don’t put limits on these kids because they are super smart and super bright,” says Lawrence Kloth, co-founder of Reading Success Plus. “We just have to teach them by using their strengths and in the way they learn the best. If we do, they’re going to take off like a rocket and do really, really well in life.”
Defining ADHD
The National Institute of Mental Health defines ADHD as a developmental disorder accompanied by one or more of the following types of symptoms:
- Inattention, such as having difficulty paying attention, keeping on task, or staying organized.
- Hyperactivity, such as often moving around (including during inappropriate times), feeling restless, or talking excessively.
- Impulsivity, such as interrupting, intruding on others, or having trouble waiting one’s turn.
It’s one of the most commonly diagnosed childhood disorders, usually spotted when a child starts school and attention difficulties create problems with learning or behavior. However, it affects adults as well, and increased awareness has led to an rise in adult diagnoses. According to the American Psychiatric Association, an estimated 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults have ADHD.
Growing evidence indicates that genetics contribute to ADHD, and several genes have been linked to the disorder, though no specific gene or gene combination has been identified as the cause. Additionally, several non-genetic factors have also been linked to the disorder, including low birth weight, premature birth, exposure to toxins such as alcohol, smoking, and lead during pregnancy, and extreme stress during pregnancy.
Treatment usually includes a combination of therapy and medication. But while this may help control the negative side effects, there is no cure for ADHD.
“Consult with your doctor to see what therapies are out there,” Lawrence says. “You could take the natural route, or there’s the medical route. Whatever you do, talk with a trusted professional and try to figure out what is the best path to help your child succeed.”
The reality of ADHD
Lawrence has been diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD and dealt with those challenges throughout his school career. His life experiences, as well as the experiences and research of countless others, have led him to this conclusion: Successfully teaching someone with ADHD requires understanding and accommodating their condition. Traditional teaching methods alone probably won’t work.
“It’s a combination,” Lawrence says. “Accommodations and alternative teaching approaches allow them to learn, and you can do that in a constructive, productive, non-disruptive environment.”
One such accommodation is simply to let the student move. Hyperactivity is part of who the child is. They learn better when they move, or have physical, tactile engagement. For many students, that means playing with a fidget toy. It could mean sitting on a bouncing ball rather than in a chair. Or it might mean standing up or walking around while doing their lesson.
“For example,” Lawrence says, “one of our former students literally bounced a basketball while they were working. It seems strange, but they did their work and did it well. It’s just a different way of learning things.”
Reading Success Plus tries to make its lessons as interactive as possible.
“We don’t do all the talking,” Lawrence says. “The student has to talk, has to be involved in the activities. If they aren’t engaged, they’re going to zone out. Instead of just feeding them information, we help them discover it for themselves.”
ADHD and the emotions
Impulsivity is another characteristic of ADHD. “Sometimes kids with ADHD will just blurt things out,” Lawrence says. “They just have to get that thought out. At that moment, there’s no impulse control. It might be a great thought, but it was an inappropriate time or manner to say it. They’re just trying to help out, to contribute to the lesson, but they are misunderstood because they just shouted it out, not thinking that they were interrupting a lesson or another student.”
Sometimes those outbursts become too emotional. “Those who have ADHD might have a very over-the-top response to something that they probably shouldn’t. Maybe they really don’t want to do something that seems insignificant to most people. They might have to blow off steam for 20 minutes because for that child, it was very significant, and it just boils over.”
While ADHD is often characterized by hyperactivity, hyperfocus is another aspect of the condition.
“This actually can be a strength,” Lawrence says. “If they find something that they really like to do and are really interested in, they’ll just dive into it. “They just focus and focus and focus on it. They can’t get enough of it. Then you step back and say, ‘Wow! Look what they’ve done!’
“They are very, very smart human beings who can be extremely talented and can do amazing things. Maybe that’s why it’s part of human beings’ makeup. It wouldn’t be in our gene pool if there wasn’t something productive behind it.”
When people with ADHD shine
It’s easy to find examples of individuals with ADHD whose brilliance shines through. Here’s just a sampling of superstars in entertainment, athletics, science, and more who have ADHD:
- Gymnast Simone Biles
- Film director Greta Gerwig
- Singer Justin Timberlake
- Swimmer Michael Phelps
- Actress Emma Watson
- Comedian Trevor Noah
- Astronaut Scott Kelly
- Actor Johnny Depp
- Singer Doja Cat
- Singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile
“There’s so much focus on the negative with ADHD,” lawrence says. “But a lot of monumental people have this, and they do so much for society.”
That potential is what Lawrence wants you to remember about people with ADHD.
“Don’t write off these kids just because their minds are built a little differently. They can do so much. Let’s not punish them for their weaknesses. Let’s try to build on their strengths.”
More information
Here are some sources of general information about ADHD:
An explanation of ADHD from the American Psychiatric Association.
Another overview of ADHD from the Mayo Clinic.
A guide to ADHD from WebMD.com.
Reading Success Plus has offices in Grand Rapids and Troy and offers one-on-one tutoring online or in person in reading, math and writing. You can get more information at readingsuccessplus.com. To contact us, call 833-229-1112 or go online to https://readingsuccessplus.com/#contact.