Several learning disabilities exhibit symptoms that are very similar to Attention
Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD). These disorders affect sensory perception.
One is Audio Processing Disorder (APD), another is Visual Processing Disorder
(VPD), and the third is Sensory Processing Disorder (VPD). This paper defines these four disorders, explores commonalities among symptoms, and offers suggestions of accommodations that could help in a classroom where multiples of these disorders are present. This paper uses the acronym currently used in the DSM-V for Attention-
Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD). Although still in common use, the acronym
“ADD” is avoided.
2. Definitions
To explore any possible relationship between AD/HD, APD, VPD, and SPD, it is …show more content…
• Visual figure-ground discrimination issues, such as difficulty finding information on a page or difficulty distinguishing and object from the the background.
• Visual sequencing issues, or difficulty with ordering, such as skipping lines when reading difficulty writing answers on a separate sheet of paper, when requested.
Reversing letters or words is also common.
• Visual-motor processing issues, or difficulty using visual information to coordinate the movement of other parts of the body. This can make writing within lines difficult, or result in difficulties copying from a book.
Relationship Between and Teaching Strategies for AD/HD & APD, VPD, and SPD
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• Long or short term visual memory issues, or difficulty recalling things that have been seen. This may result in difficulty remembering what has been read and other problems with reading or spelling.
• Visual-spatial issues, or difficulty ascertaining the relationship between items in a particular space. This includes things described in a narrative and can result in difficulty judging time and reading maps.
• Visual closure issues, or difficulty identifying objects if parts are missing or