Though Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD for short) is often characterized by symptoms that include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, its effect on cognitive function can also impact speech.
This short article examines the various ways in which ADHD and verbal expression are linked. For more information about overcoming speech challenges with ADHD, we invite you to contact Crescent City Psychiatric, to schedule an appointment.
Diagnosing ADHD can be an important first step in minimizing ADHD’s effect on speech. The recommended treatments to address speech impairment in ADHD patients may be a blend of speech and language therapy, behavioral therapy, medication, and supplemental training exercises.
How Does ADHD Affect Speech?
While there are well-documented benefits to being diagnosed with ADHD, including having higher energy levels and above-average creativity, these so-called “superpowers” can also lead to significant challenges.
Many of the most common ADHD symptoms are easy to identify. Being unable to sit still, constant fidgeting, and difficulty concentrating for extended periods are synonymous with living with ADHD.
These symptoms can also have a cascading effect on the way that people diagnosed with ADHD communicate. For example, the ADHD influence on speaking skills can be marked by someone talking excessively, speaking rapidly, and interrupting conversations.
Impulsivity and Disorganization
Having a tendency to act impulsively and having disorganized thoughts can affect how someone with ADHD communicates with others. For example, if one’s thoughts are disorganized, it can result in having a difficult time conveying a coherent thought or emotion. The impact of ADHD on communication can also be observed in someone who changes topics rapidly.
As you can imagine, these habits can be counterproductive in academic and professional settings. A helpful strategy for improving this skill is to establish routinized opportunities for communication activities. This can include family meetings or scheduled group discussions, where clear ground rules are established for communication to reduce anxiety and encourage positive outcomes.
Inattention and Distractibility
Learning how to communicate effectively from a young age is critical for success in everyday life, relationships, and the workplace. There is a close link between ADHD and speech development because the distractions associated with ADHD can make it more difficult to understand and process language.
In addition to leading to speech delays, making grammatical errors, losing focus mid-sentence, and finding the right words to express oneself are all common. If this issue is not addressed, it can lead to a child or adult with ADHD becoming overwhelmed in situations involving communication.
The risk of someone with ADHD withdrawing from these settings is high, which is why seeking various forms of treatment for ADHD should be a top priority. At Crescent City Psychiatric, we may recommend a combination of medication, behavioral therapy, and other support.
Hyperactivity and Restlessness
Both hyperactivity and restless tendencies are hallmark symptoms of ADHD that can affect specifically how someone speaks. Often, this is manifested as quick or loud speech that seems impulsive and not practiced or considered.
In other words, there can be an absence of a “filter” and a lack of awareness of how their language is perceived. As a consequence, individuals with ADHD may be perceived as rude, even though that was never their intention.
In real-world situations, an individual may have difficulty taking turns in group conversations and maintaining appropriate social boundaries. From the perspective of others, it could feel difficult to meaningfully engage with the person.
The Bottom Line
The answer to the question, “Does ADHD affect speech?” is a resounding yes, and everyone deserves to be able to communicate effectively.
With 4% of adults living with ADHD, only a fraction of this population receiving a diagnosis, it’s strongly recommended to schedule an evaluation with a licensed professional, especially if you or a loved one is experiencing any of the above ADHD symptoms that are affecting speech.To learn more about ADHD’s impact on speech and to schedule an evaluation, contact Crescent City Psychiatric to schedule an appointment.
