Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD) and Learning Disability (LD) are common syndromes that can result in a variety of academic, social, and behavioral problems. These problems begin in childhood, and they persist into adolescence and adulthood. They limit academic achievement, and they diminish vocational options and impact upon interpersonal functioning. Anywhere from five to fifteen percent of the population are in some way affected by combinations of these disorders.

Inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity are frequently seen in Attention Deficit Disorder. Symptoms often include the following:

• not following through and failing to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace
• difficulty organizing tasks and activities
• not attending to details and making careless mistakes
• is easily distracted, is often forgetful, or loses things necessary for activities (e.g. toys, assignments, books, tools)
• blurts out statements/answers or often interrupts and butts into conversations
• is restless, fidgety, or acts as if "driven by a motor".

Although these types of behaviors often suggest ADD/ADHD, the diagnosis is not that simple. Unfortunately, these kinds of problems have been publicized, popularized, and even oversimplified through the media. In many cases, this has led to misunderstanding, false expectations, and even misdiagnosis and treatment failure.

At the Attention, Behavior, and Learning Evaluation (ABLE) Clinic, we understand that these symptoms can be caused by a variety of problems. The clinic focuses upon a comprehensive assessment and treatment of problems with attention, concentration, learning, and behavior. Children, adolescents, and adults are all seen at ABLE.

Although we evaluate people who have never been treated before, we also see people who were treated but did not respond. Because of the wide variation in this group of disorders, it is often necessary to reevaluate, update, or change a treatment plan that is no longer effective. This aspect has often been forgotten in the typical approaches to understanding these disorders. We welcome the difficult to treat patient. As an individual develops, and as a person's life situation changes, demands, expectations, and responsibilities are also different. This can lead to problems that require adjustment in the treatment plan as well.

The clinic is coordinated by a neuropsychologist. The evaluation consists of obtaining a comprehensive history of the person. This is usually done by completing various structured questionnaires designed to elicit detailed information about many aspects of behavior. A history of the current problem is also obtained. The person is administered Neuropsychological testing as well, which focuses upon assessing many different components of attention, concentration, and learning. Completion of this process usually requires several hours.

A neuropsychologist and psychiatrist consult with the treatment team, and provide medications when evaluation results suggest a potential for good response. A clinical psychologist is involved in all facets of treatment, providing intervention with behavior management techniques and providing short-term cognitive therapies to address problems and teach new skills.

Whenever appropriate, evaluation and treatment are coordinated with other physicians and psychologists in the community. The person can return to treatment with the original referral source after an evaluation is obtained. In this way the results can be used to provide a "second opinion".

If you have any questions about learning disabilities or their evaluation, please email Dr. Koziol. You may call him at (847) 686-3643. Leave your message on the confidential voice mail system and your call will be answered as soon as possible.

You may also write to:

Leonard F. Koziol, Psy. D.
3800 N. Wilke Road
Suite 160
Arlington Heights, IL 60004

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