Letdah.fr a media powered by
the no.1 media on Dys disorders
Letdah.fr a media powered by
the no.1 media on Dys disorders
A child who is struggling may have ADHD, a developmental language disorder, or both. These conditions can look alike at school, but they affect different functions. Here is how to tell them apart. Distinguishing between these conditions makes it possible to offer the right support at the right time.
ADHD affects the regulation of attention, and sometimes restlessness and impulsivity. It affects all areas of life, at home as well as at school. Its manifestations vary according to the situation, tiredness and interest in the task.
Our article What is ADHD complements this advice.
Developmental language disorder, also called developmental language disorder, is a persistent disorder of spoken language: comprehension, vocabulary, sentence construction, pronunciation. This disorder is long-lasting and cannot be explained by a lack of effort or intelligence.
To find out more, see ADHD and dys disorders.
In both cases, the child may seem not to listen, not to understand instructions or to answer off-topic. These similarities explain why the two conditions are sometimes confused.
The article Signs of ADHD in children covers this question in detail.
The only online directory dedicated to professionals working with Dys disorders
In a child with ADHD, comprehension is good when they are attentive. In a child with developmental language disorder, language difficulties persist even when they are focused, and also affect expression. Observing the child in calm and in stressful situations helps guide the assessment.
Only assessments can make the final decision.
This point is explained step by step in How to tell if my child has ADHD.
Developmental language disorder is assessed through an in-depth speech and language therapy assessment. ADHD is assessed by a trained doctor. The assessments complement each other and must be read together by the professionals.
To go further, read our article Who makes the ADHD diagnosis.
The combination of neurodevelopmental disorders is common. Support then combines speech and language therapy with ADHD support. Good coordination between the professionals who follow the child is therefore essential.
We detail this point in After the ADHD diagnosis: the steps.
School adjustments must take both conditions into account, so that the pupil can show their true abilities. These adjustments can be formalised in a PAP or a PPS.
This topic is covered in our page School adjustments for ADHD.
A space for exchange, listening and support dedicated to parents of children with DYS disorders
ADHD affects attention, developmental language disorder affects spoken language. These are two different conditions.
Yes, these conditions are often associated. They are often associated.
Through assessments carried out by the relevant professionals. Assessments make the final decision.
Advice, favourites and DYS news every week.
Subscribe here.
Dysorthographie.fr
The number one media on Dys disorders
