Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 3/21/2006

Question
Hello.

I was wondering how much ADD could affect an IQ test. I was recently tested for a possible learning disability, and actually while testing the psychologist discovered I had ADD - so testing for that I also found out I don't have an LD.

I ended up testing above average, but even so I don't feel like I was able to give it my best shot; and I wonder if it was because of my undiagnosed ADD at the time. Right now I am in the process of getting tested for auditory processing disorder, which if I have, may also attribute to why I feel I wasn't able to give it my all while testing.

I suppose I am a bit of a perfectionist, and might be the reason why it bothers me that something was keeping me back from showing my true potential in an IQ test. But, I suppose I am wondering just how much the score can be affected, since I know it would be on some degree simply because of the effect ADD has on a person.

Anyway, thank you for taking the time for reading this; and I hope that you are able to answer my question. I hope you have a wonderful day, and God bless!

-Theresa

Answer
An I.Q. test is very seldom if ever needed to assess and evaluate for ADHD. Auditory processing is part of an assessmentr for ADHD and does not require a separate assessment. Sometimes a boaderline low I. Q. should be identified as not being retarded. A very high I.Q. may cause confusion because the person may perform average or above but in fact are underachieving for their true potential and the ADHD is holding them back. A learning disability is an integral part of ADHD and not a separate entity. Sombody who is hasty and impulsive, cannot concentrate on verbal input will certainly have a learning problem irrespective of their marks or I.Q.