ADHD: When Sitting Still and Focusing Feels Impossible
Every child learns in his or her own way. For some, challenges with reading, writing, math or focus may point to a learning difference. These differences often show up in school, but with the right support, kids can build confidence and succeed. Here’s what to look for and how to help.
Common Learning Differences and Ways to Help
Dyslexia: When Reading Feels Like a Puzzle
Dyslexia affects language skills, making reading, spelling and writing harder. It’s the most common learning disability—including for me. As a kid, I struggled with letters and numbers that were seemingly flipped. A kind neighbor helped me turn things around, but even as an adult, I’ve had to adjust when challenges resurface.
Signs to Watch For:
Difficulty remembering letters or sounding out words
Trouble spelling simple words
Hesitancy to read aloud
Struggles with math word problems
How to Help:
Get an evaluation—early support makes a big difference.
Help with decoding skills (matching sounds to letters).
Ask for accommodations like audiobooks, extra time on tests or typing instead of handwriting.
Dyscalculia: When Numbers Just Don’t Click
For kids with dyscalculia, math feels like an uphill battle. Numbers, patterns and even telling time can be confusing, no matter how hard they try.
Signs to Watch For:
Difficulty recognizing numbers or understanding their values
Trouble memorizing math facts
Struggles with time, money or estimating distances
How to Help:
Use hands-on learning—blocks, dominoes and number lines can help
Reinforce math words like "more than" and "increase" to make concepts clearer.
Ask for accommodations like extra time, graph paper and tutoring.
Dysgraphia: When Writing Feels Impossible
Writing can be exhausting for kids with dysgraphia. Their thoughts may flow easily, but getting them onto paper is a struggle.
Signs to Watch For:
Messy, inconsistent handwriting
Frequent spelling mistakes
Trouble organizing thoughts into sentences
How to Help:
Try creative writing methods—drawing letters in sand or tracing patterns.
Use tools like graph paper and pencil grips.
Allow typing or voice-to-text as an alternative to handwriting.
ADHD: When Sitting Still and Focusing Feels Impossible
ADHD isn’t just about being hyper—it affects attention, organization and self-regulation. Over 6 million kids in the U.S. have ADHD, and every child experiences it differently.
Signs to Watch For:
Difficulty following instructions or completing tasks
Trouble sitting still or waiting for their turn
Being easily distracted or impulsive
How to Help:
Talk to your pediatrician about support options.
Ask for accommodations like structured routines, quiet workspaces and extra time.
Keep a predictable daily schedule and use visual reminders.
Auditory Processing Disorder: When Words Get Jumbled
Kids with APD hear just fine, but their brains struggle to process sounds, especially in noisy environments. My daughter wasn’t diagnosed until high school, but looking back, the signs were there all along.
Signs to Watch For:
Trouble following verbal instructions
Sensitivity to background noise
Difficulty remembering spoken information
How to Help:
Have them evaluated by an audiologist.
Ask for classroom accommodations like sitting near the teacher and using visuals.
Use noise-canceling headphones or assistive listening devices if needed.
You’re Not Alone
If your child is struggling, trust your instincts. Early support and the right accommodations can make a world of difference. Most importantly, remind them that learning differently doesn’t mean learning less—it just means finding the right tools to help them shine.
