Laura Thorburn, M.S., CCC-SLP
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition. A person with ADHD has differences in brain development and brain activity. These differences can cause problems with attention, focus, self-control, and memory. Research has shown that people with ADHD also often have speech and language problems.
We don’t know for sure that ADHD causes communication issues. However, there is a strong correlation between decreased attention skills and having a communication disorder.
Many people with ADHD take medication to help with cognitive symptoms related to attention and focus. But can ADHD medication help improve communication, too? Read on to learn the best way to treat communication problems related to ADHD.
Symptoms of ADHD
Not all people with ADHD will have a communication disorder. However, many people with ADHD experience symptoms such as the following:
Difficulty focusing on a specific task
Forgetfulness or problems with memory
Struggling with impulse control, or acting without thinking
Impatience or trouble waiting their turn
High amount of energy or activity
Interrupting or speaking at inappropriate times
Trouble following instructions
Hyperactivity, such as fidgeting or squirming
How does ADHD affect language?
The cognitive effects of ADHD often impact language skills, both in children and in adults. This may include problems with:
Understanding language
Expressing thoughts verbally
Speaking clearly
Reading
Writing
Some research has also shown a link between stuttering and ADHD. You can read more about the communication disorders that may be present for people with ADHD in this article.
Can ADHD medication help with speech and language problems?
ADHD is often treated with medications that increase specific neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters play key roles in attention, focus, and impulse control.
When people with ADHD find the right dosage and timing of medications, they often notice an improvement in their cognition, or how they learn, process, and understand information. The question then becomes, “Can I also expect improvements in my language from my ADHD medication?”
The answer is “maybe.” Any improvement in language is likely related to an improvement in cognition.
How ADHD medication can improve communication skills
Research on the effects of ADHD medication on language disorders are somewhat limited. However, some evidence suggests that medication helps with speech and language issues. For example, studies have shown that children with ADHD who take stimulant medication show improved language comprehension and expression. This is a result of the medication improving their ability to focus and pay attention.
Here’s how it works. If a person has trouble paying attention, they may not accurately hear everything that’s said to them. With better attention and focus, a person will be better able to concentrate, listen, and understand. When a child’s listening improves, they will be able to pay attention to elements of speech, such as grammar. The child may now begin to imitate the -ing ending used in a verb when hearing a story. This will increase the complexity and clarity of their language.
Similarly, an adult may be better able to hear a complex question without missing details. With improved focus, a person can perform better in reading and writing, which both require attention to the information.
Another cognitive skill helped by ADHD medication is executive functioning. This is the ability to break down complex tasks into smaller parts. Executive function includes being able to organize, prioritize, problem solve, and monitor your performance as you complete a complex task.
With improved executive function skills, a person may find it easier to organize their thoughts, explain information, and pay attention to the conversation.
When it comes to language, the complex task may be telling a story or formulating your response to a question. With improved executive function skills, a person may find it easier to organize their thoughts, explain information in the right order, pay attention to their conversation partner, and adjust their message as needed. This will lead to clearer, more coherent speech.
Finally, ADHD medication can decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. It might then become easier for kids with ADHD to engage in appropriate conversations and classroom activities. This can lead to better social communication with fewer interruptions. Plus, when a child is more easily able to talk with others, they have even more chances to learn language skills.
How are ADHD language problems best treated?
It’s important to remember that people’s responses to ADHD medication can vary. Some people may see big improvements in their cognitive functions and language skills. Others may see little to no benefit. Medications are often most effective when combined with speech therapy. This approach can address both the cognitive and language problems related to ADHD.
Medications are often most effective when combined with speech therapy.
Speech therapy for ADHD can benefit both kids and adults. While a speech therapist can’t treat ADHD directly, they can treat the language issues that arise due to the attention deficits.
Speech therapy for children with ADHD
Speech therapy for ADHD begins with an evaluation. In children with ADHD, the speech therapist will assess the areas of language that may be posing challenges. Perhaps the issues are with expressive language (how the child expresses their wants, needs, and thoughts), receptive language (how the child understands language), or both. Each child and their needs are different.
The speech therapist may also perform a formal assessment of social language, along with observing how the child interacts with others. For example, if a child is talking quickly, interrupting often, or isn’t able to stay on topic, these may be signs that ADHD is impacting their social communication skills.
The speech therapist will then develop a treatment plan with goals specific to the child’s needs. Each session of speech therapy for ADHD will focus on working toward these goals. This is typically done through play. Therapists are creative at “hiding” the work that kids need to do in speech therapy. For example, when working on a concept like sentence structure, they may play games that naturally involve talking, like “I Spy.” Or, when working on auditory comprehension tasks, the therapist may read a fun book and then ask the child questions about the story.
Speech therapy for adults with ADHD
Speech therapists can also screen, assess, and treat adults with ADHD. Often, the focus of speech therapy for adults with ADHD is executive functioning. The speech therapist can directly treat the executive function problem, while also teaching the person strategies to help them succeed in their home, work, and community. Strategies might include breaking big projects into smaller chunks, following written directions, making changes around your home, and using visual aids. Your speech therapist will help you determine which strategies work best and how to make them part of your daily life.
At Expressable, we provide speech, language, and cognitive treatment for children and adults with ADHD. We can assess your or your child’s language skills and create a care plan tailored to your communication goals. With the right support and a plan, you or your child can thrive with ADHD!
