ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the history of conceptualization and diagnosis of the extremely common neurodevelopmental disorders, their presentations across the lifespan, and the underlying neuroscience. Although learning disability (LD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are commonly intertwined in clinical presentation, their recognition as separate clinical entities followed rather distinctive historical paths. Clinical profiles of ADHD and LD are complex and change over time, in part as a function of developmental demands and successful remediation and/or learning. While the symptoms of ADHD decline with increasing age, the probability of having a comorbid psychiatric diagnosis increases. ADHD co-occurs with numerous other neurodevelopmental disorders in addition to the specific LDs. Presentations of the specific LDs vary with the type of LD, stage in life, and level of remediation. Each type of LD can occur alone or in combination with other types, or with comorbidities, especially ADHD.
