ADHD RESOURCES
Many people reach out to us wondering if they or their child might have ADHD. Although ADHD can make learning harder, it is not officially a learning disability.
Here are some resources you may find helpful.
What is adhd?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic (long-lasting) neurodevelopmental (brain-based) disorder. Symptoms include a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity that impacts functioning and development.
ADHD affects between 5-12% of the population or about 1 or 2 students in every classroom. It is more commonly diagnosed in males than in females (3:1), although that does not necessarily mean more males have ADHD.
Source: Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario, 2024
www.ldao.ca/introduction-to-ldsadhd/snapshots/adhd-and-lds-a-snapshot
ADHD & learning disabilities
Although ADHD is not considered a learning disability, it can certainly make learning harder. You can have both a learning disability and ADHD. Research shows that kids with learning disabilities are more likely to have ADHD, and vice versa.
Source: Journal of Family Medicine, 2015
journals.lww.com/jfmpc/fulltext/2015/04010/psychological_co_morbidity_in_children_with.6.aspx
how LDAY can help
We do not currently offer ADHD-specific programs.
We can help in areas where learning and ADHD overlap, like executive function challenges. Executive function refers to skills like planning, organization, time management, and task initiation.
These services are open to everyone. You do NOT need to have a diagnosed learning disability to access support at LDAY.
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Many ADHD symptoms are related to problems with executive function. While not specific to ADHD, the Seeing My Time program can help adults and older teens strengthen these skills. As participants are led through the Seeing My Time workbook, they learn about their brain, and observe how visual tools can effectively support their brain with planning and organizing.
Check out our Workshops & Training page for more information.
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Our resource library is free and open to the public. It includes many books on executive function, learning disabilities, and ADHD in children and adults.
Browse our catalogue online here: www.libib.com/u/ldayukon
Give us a call at 668-5167 to reserve a book or drop in during office hours.
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LDAY maintains a list of local psychologists who do pscyhological educational assessments. See the "Getting a Diagnosis" section below.
What LDAY can’t do
LDAY does not have the expertise to provide:
ADHD diagnosis
Medical or medication advice
ADHD coaching
Counselling
Training on ADHD
links & resources
Here are some trusted resources you may find helpful:
Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada
Canadian ADHD resource navigator, peer support groups, group coaching, webinars, parenting courses, and more.
This page (and the PDF linked at the bottom) is a great place to start:
https://caddac.ca/about-adhd/in-general/
An American website with articles, videos, and podcasts about many types of neurodiversity.
Aaron is a former LDAY staff member and Yukoner. He is now based out of the territory, but offers virtual ADHD coaching. This is a fee-based service.
This YouTube channel by Jessica McCabe has numerous videos about ADHD.
Getting a diagnosis
LDAY staff are not qualified to provide ADHD assessment or diagnosis. ADHD is diagnosed by a physician or psychologist.
The Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada (CADDAC) website explains how to seek out an ADHD assessment and diagnosis in Canada. It includes information about the different medical practitioners who can diagnose, approximate costs, and what a thorough assessment should include.
Click on the “Getting a Diagnosis” tab here: https://caddac.ca/about-adhd/in-general/
Psychological Educational Assessments
Psychological educational assessments (also known as psych-eds) are formal assessments done by registered psychologists.
Psych-eds provide a thorough profile of a person’s learning strengths and needs, including learning disabilities. This may also include ADHD. Psych-eds are often used to develop learning plans for students. An adult may choose to pursue a psych-ed to better understand how they learn and to create a plan for accommodations at work and/or school.
Cost and waiting times vary depending on the practitioner. The average cost is $2000-$4000. Some of this may be covered by private insurance.
LDAY maintains a list of local psychologists who do psych-eds. We also organize a clinic 3-4 times a year at our office with a visiting psychologist.
Contact Stephanie at 668-5167 or ed@LDAYukon.com for the most up-to-date information and list of psychologists.