The Gibraltar Dyslexia Support Group (GDSG) understands that there are disabilities, which are similar to dyslexia, and those parents and their siblings also need help. As at the moment there does not seem to be any groups dealing with the following, the GDSG has taken it on itself to help and support them also as much as they can with out neglecting its main aims.

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AD(H)D - Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) – “a neurological condition that affects learning and behavior and occurs in approximately 5% to 10% of the population. Symptoms of the disorder may include attention deficits, impulsivity, hyperactivity, mood swings, low frustration tolerance, and difficulty falling asleep at night. Some people may daydream, some may have difficulty completing tasks, others may be disorganized and forgetful, or may procrastinate.”

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

A. Either (1) or (2):

(1) Inattention: At least six of the following symptoms of inattention have persisted for at least six months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:

often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities

often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities

often does not seem to listen to what is being said to him or her

often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)

often has difficulties organizing tasks and activities

often avoids, expresses reluctance about, or ahs difficulties engaging in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)

often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., school assignments, pencils, books, tools, or toys)

often forgetful in daily activities

(2) Hyperactivity-impulsivity: At least five of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least six months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:

Hyperactivity

often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat

leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected

often runs about or climbs excessively in situations where it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)

often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly

is always “on the go” or acts as if “driven by a motor”

often talks excessively

Impulsivity

often blurts out answers to questions before the questions have been completed

often has difficulty waiting in lines or awaiting turn in games or group situations

often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into other’s conversations or games)

Some symptoms that caused impairment were present before age seven.

Some symptoms that cause impairment are present in two or more settings (e.g., at school, work, and at home).

There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.

Does not occur exclusively during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia or other Psychotic Disorder, and is not better accounted for by a Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder.

Asperger’s Syndrome

Aspergers Syndrome (AS) - a neurobiological disorder, which most researchers feel, falls at the “high-end” of the Autistic Spectrum. Individuals with AS can have symptoms ranging from mild to severe. While sharing many of the same characteristics as PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified) and HFA (High-Functioning Autism), AS is a relatively new term in the United States, having only recently being officially recognized as a diagnosis by the medical community.

Individuals with Asperger Syndrome and related disorders exhibit serious deficiencies in social and communication skills. They often have obsessive repetitive routines and preoccupations with a particular subject. Because of their high degree of functionality and their naivete, those with AS are often viewed by their peers as odd, and are frequently a target for bullying.

Characteristics - Children with these diagnoses exhibit serious and chronic social, behavioral and communicative impairments. Not every child is the same but some characteristics may be:

• socially awkward and clumsy in relations with other children and/or adults
• naive and gullible
• often unaware of others’ feelings
• unable to carry on a “give and take” conversation
• easily upset by changes in routines and transitions
• literal in speech and understanding
• overly sensitive to loud sounds, lights or odors
• fixated on one subject or object
• physically awkward in sports

They may have:

• unusually accurate memory for details
• sleeping or eating problems
• trouble understanding things they have heard or read
• inappropriate body language or facial expression
• unusual speech patterns (repetitive and/or irrelevant remarks)
• stilted, formal manner of speaking
• unusually loud, high or monotonous voice
• tendency to rock, fidget or pace while concentrating

Dyspraxia Other terms for Dyspraxia -Developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD). Motor learning difficulties. Motor dysfunction Disorder of attention, motor control and perception (DAMP)

A severe difficulty in performing drawing, writing, buttoning, and other tasks requiring fine motor skills, or in sequencing the necessary movements.

Dysgraphia - A severe difficulty in producing handwriting that is legible and written at an age appropriate speed.

Dysomnia - A marked difficulty in remembering names and recalling words needed for oral and written language.

People with memory disabilities may have difficulty with short-term memory. They have trouble willfully remembering names, numbers, facts and even what they did a few minutes ago. These memory difficulties present significant problems in academic study. Such a person might study hard for a test or exam and think they know the material extremely well but be unable to recall specific information on the exam. It is not a deficit of intelligence or aptitude, but rather reflects a specific deficit of conscious recall.

Dyscalculia- Often call the Math Dyslexia

A severe difficulty in understanding and using symbols or functions needed for success in mathematics.

DANDA – Developmental Adult Neuro-Diversity Association