Interventions: Dyslexia, ADHD, Etc.

Why is having the right diagnosis so critical? Because you need to support the correct area of deficit. Interventions and strategies are tailored to the specific areas of concern. Interventions and supports are different for someone who has dyslexia compared to someone who has ADHD. Those who have dyslexia need a certain level and type of reading invention. To determine the level and type, you need to have a qualified and licensed psychologist to first assess and identify what kind of dyslexia (orthographic, surface, mixed, phonological) and then how severe the dyslexia is for that individual. Those with ADHD will need behavior modifications, possibly medication, or both and in addition specific accommodations for extended time and support for specific areas identified, such as a computer for writing and support for executive functioning deficits. The supports and interventions are completely different depending on the diagnosis!

I once worked for a district in the past and was asked to assess a child who was eligible for special education services due to characteristics of ADHD by the school. As I began to assess the child, I realized that he had a visual processing deficit, and because he didn’t have the right diagnosis, his supports weren’t tailored to his needs and as a result he was acting out in class. He was avoiding math by walking around the room and trying to be the class clown. What did this looked like to everyone? ADHD. He couldn’t sit still, was talking out, appeared impulsive and began to be suspended. His self esteem was negatively impacted and didn’t feel like he was smart enough. After the evaluation we were able to change interventions and supports and you may ask, what happened? The suspensions seized, he was more confident in his work, and no longer roamed the room or distracted others to avoid the work.

How can you help someone who has a learning challenge? Make sure the interventions and supports are unique to that individual. How can you do that? Make sure you’re addressing the correct area of deficit!