Is ADHD an Intellectual Disability?
When people talk about ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), they usually bring up the question, “Is ADHD an intellectual disability?”
Even some people are not able to distinguish these two terms perfectly; the truth is ADHD and intellectual disabilities represent different conditions.
In this case, this blog is supposed to explain the differences between ADHD and intellectual disabilities, their manifestations, and the possible treatments that lead to relief and cure.
A Brief Overview of ADHD versus Intellectual Disabilities
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by:
- Failure to pay attention.
- Impulsivity.
- Hyperactivity of the person.
While ADHD doesn’t actually affect intelligence functions, it may deter learning and time management because children cannot concentrate and stay organized.
What is an Intellectual Disability?
An intellectual disability is when the person’s level of intellectual performance, e.g., their ability to think or solve problems, is extremely low in combination with low adaptive behavior (e.g., such as daily living and social skills).
The case for a person can be made if psychologists conduct an IQ test that reveals an IQ of below 70.
Furthermore, in such cases, the person is found unable to live independently on his or her own.
Moreover, a common first reaction of doctors is to diagnose ADHD rather than intellectual disability.
Though both conditions are indeed opposite, both might coexist so the confusion can lay the ground for a misinterpretation of these two distinct conditions.
Is ADHD an Intellectual Disability?
ADHD is not an ‘intellectual disability’.
ADHD mostly affects attention and self-regulatory capacities, whereas intellectual disabilities affect the intellectual aspects of a person’s overall functioning.
People with ADHD are often misidentified as having low intelligence symptoms due to issues related to attention that might be causing academic/workplace performance problems.
The bias should be removed since ADHD is not synonymous with having signs of low intelligence.
Identifying Intellectual Disabilities
Early recognition of the already-mentioned disorders can promote positive support. The following are the signs of intellectual disability:
- Delays in developmental milestones like walking or saying the first word.
- The problem of learning new skills or solving problems.
- Difficulties in even simple activities such as cooking, dressing, or using the public transportation system.
Signs of Intellectual Disability in Adults
Signs of intellectual disability in adults might include:
- Struggles with understanding social cues.
- Managing finances.
- Maintaining independence in daily life.
However, starting the diagnosis earlier in adulthood makes it possible to use intervention and support techniques.
ADHD and Low Intelligence Myths
Some people mistakenly assume that children and adults with ADHD are affected by low IQ symptoms.
This misunderstanding comes from the view that ADHD undermines the omnipotence of the correct intellectual capacity.
A child can have ADHD and be unable to focus in class, which results in unfinished work or missing lectures or activities, but it doesn’t mean that he or she has an intellectual defect.
To protect against misdiagnoses, it is important to be able to separate the symptoms of ADHD from the actual signs of low intelligence since different reasons cause them.
Treatments and Therapies for Intellectual Disabilities
As far as intellectual disability is concerned, there is yet no medical cure for intellectual disability.
Nonetheless, therapies and treatments can contribute to an individual’s quality of life to a large extent.
The main responsibility for handling such challenges lies in developing a plan that is suited to the specific skills of the individual.
Common Intellectual Disability Therapies:
- Behavioral Therapy
This approach involves training better social interaction and management of emotions by trained professionals. - Speech Therapy
This type of therapy deals with improving communication skills, particularly in cases where speaking or expressing oneself is a problem. - Occupational Therapy
Here, patients are helped to improve their skills and competence in daily life activities such as cooking, using tools, or finding their way around the workplace.
ADHD vs. Intellectual Disabilities at a Glance
| Feature | ADHD | Intellectual Disability |
| Primary Impact | Affects attention, impulse control. | Affects cognitive ability and adaptability. |
| IQ Level | Generally average or above-average. | Often below 70. |
| Signs | Hyperactivity, poor focus, impulsivity. | Struggles in learning, daily tasks, and social skills. |
| Can They Co-Occur? | Yes, though they are separate conditions. | Yes. |
These differences in comprehension can serve as valid identification tricks.
Next Steps for Families and Caregivers
It may be overwhelming to tackle issues like ADHD or intellectual disabilities, but there is plenty of help and information to lean on. This is what you should do:
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Get an Accurate Diagnosis
Have an examination performed by a psychiatrist or a medical professional who can make a correct diagnosis about whether it is a case of ADHD or an intellectual disability for the best path of treatment.
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Explore Therapies
For children who have an ADHD diagnosis, behavioral therapy is a favorable choice, whereas the use of intellectual disability therapies in children with the same issue is important for learning.
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Create a Support Network
Take it upon yourselves to involve teachers, workplaces, and other support groups in the child’s life so that the child has a nurturing space to develop in.
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Consider Guidance from Experts Like Brain Coach
Individualized and goal-oriented services available in the field of ADHD or intellectual disability treatments ensure that any obstacle can be dealt with directly and purposefully, leading to a more focused and productive recovery plan.
Why Choose Brain Coach?
The Brain Coach team is proficient in supporting people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, or even those who suffer from any intellectual impairments.
Our professionals work with the families and the patients to help them acquire the tools necessary to obtain lifelong success, whether to enhance learning and focus for the children or to master the day-to-day life of adults.