
Mission Makers: Claire—advocating for accessibility
“I don’t think any child should go without, especially because of money, so if we can help, that’s incredible.”—Claire, Program Manager
Learn MoreThis post is intended to be an introductory overview of ADHD. Please note it is not a substitute for specific professional advice.
ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, affects a person’s ability to focus, regulate attention, control impulses or emotions, and manage hyperactivity.
It is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in Canada, with approximately 1 in 21 individuals diagnosed (2024).
ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, symptoms change the way individuals function in areas such as work, school, or relationships.
Three primary types of ADHD include the following:
Individuals with ADHD who are impulsive/hyperactive type may have behavioural challenges and struggle with social interactions. They may experience restlessness or fidgeting. They may struggle with impatience or have trouble waiting their turn, talking more than others or interrupting others in conversations.
Individuals with ADHD who are inattentive and distractible type might find it difficult to concentrate on tasks and experience forgetfulness. They may daydream frequently or appear not to be listening in conversation.
Individuals with the combined type of ADHD have symptoms of both.
People with ADHD can hyperfocus on things that they are very interested in.
Hyperfocus (intense concentration) is often why children with ADHD get upset when asked to stop doing something they are engaged in, like a favourite school activity or playing a video game. It may also be why adults with ADHD miss meals or have trouble sleeping. They have what experts call an inability to “attention switch,” which can cause conflicts within themselves or with others.
At LDS, we support learners with diagnosed or suspected ADHD, from children to adults. Our inclusive, comprehensive, and specialized one-to-one instruction programs support learners in developing their academic and executive function skills in each session, boosting students’ attention and learning. Most students with ADHD have deficits in their executive functions, such as working memory and attention, though not all children with executive function issues have ADHD.
For more information about our programs, access our programs page on the website.
– Sofia Lopez Nakashima, Senior Manager, Assessments
LDS is a community of dedicated professionals who write collaboratively. We recognize the contribution of unnamed team members for their wisdom and input.