Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario (LDAO)
Policy Statement on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
(as defined by DSM-IV-TR)
WHEREAS:
The LDAO definition of Learning Disabilities, 2001 states:
“’Learning Disabilities’ refers to a variety of disorders that affect the acquisition, retention, understanding, organization or use of verbal and/or non-verbal information. These disorders result from impairments in one or more psychological processes related to learning, in combination with otherwise average abilities essential for thinking and reasoning”, where psychological processes are defined to include:
- memory and attention
- executive functions
The LDAO definition further states: “Frequently learning disabilities co-exist with other conditions, including attentional, behavioural and emotional disorders”.
THEREFORE the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario
- accepts that the provision of services to people with ADHD strengthens and adds value to the support that LDAO and its local chapters provide to people with LD;
- endorses the provision of services to individuals with ADHD as part of the overall program of services provided by its provincial office and local chapters
- advocates for the provision of services to individuals with ADHD as part of the overall program of services provided by ministries, school boards and other agencies.
