Expert: Christine D. DeLoatch, MA CCC-SLP - 1/7/2007

Question
Hi,
I'm 17 and fustrated in school because I have problems concentrating on school work, home work, and tests. I notice in class that everyone but me can just sit there and do class work easily. It takes me forever do simple stuff like read the assignment and answer the questions. It's like I'm reading the stuff and the next thing I know I'm thinking   about something else. With tests it's not about whether I know the information or not it's like I'm bored by question no.3. I have a major procastination problem I wait till the last day to do a big project that was assigned a month ago and I'm always finishing it late into the night. I'm always losing stuff like id cards, pencils,  and keys. My backpack is a mess and I get distraced easily by my thoughts about something not related to the task at hand or sounds. My 3rd grade teacher thought I had ADHD, but my mom didn't approve of her suggestion.I've previously been diagnosed with Aspergers during 6th grade due to a lack of communication issues, but I think  there's more to that. My mom had read up on Aspergers and said my disorganization and distractibility is due to Aspergers. I've also seen a neurologist and he said my issues sounded like ADD. Thanks,
Jessica

Answer
Dear Jessica,

Thanks for asking me your question. A friend of mine, a school psychologist said that although Autism Spectrum Disorders can have components of inattention and other trait like those on the ADD spectrum - she felt like there was generally one primary condition for each person.  In people on the Autism spectrum, it is usually that  condition.  

However, from what you presented here, you may want to look into a different direction - Non-verbal learning disability.  I initially had a diagnosis of ADHD - many of the traits still fit and the medications & and the strategies work well, but I was told that I really didn't have the slow processing speed or the impulsive processing speed associated with ADD or ADHD lately.  

He (the psychologist) believed I have  a Non-verbal Learning disability. I think that you will find that there is a place were some of the social challenges of the autism spectrum meet with the disorganization & procrastination of ADD - that land is Non-verbal learning disability.  

See what you think.  It is a fairly new diagnosis - only about 10 years old so other professionals may not have been diagnosing it when you were in the 6th grade.  

Have you tried any sensory strategies like chewing gum when you are studying, or sitting on a therapeutic ball or reading out loud.  Some of these things might help your alertness and help you concentrate.  Also if you don't get regular exercise, every guru recommends starting there.  

Happy New Year to you.

Christine