In this section, we will discuss the most common conditions that co-occur with dyslexia.

1. Dyspraxia and Dysgraphia

Dyspraxia (also known as Development Co-Ordination Disorder; DCD) occurs due to an impairment in the ways the brain processes information. Dysgraphia, on the other hand, is writing-based weakness and impacts communication in the form of written language. Dysgraphia is a specific learning difficulty (a condition that may cause an individual to experience problems in a traditional classroom setting) while dyspraxia is a medical condition.

  • Both conditions involve difficulties related to motor skills that use small or large muscles.
  • People who are with either condition find it difficult to exhibit adequate coordination which may impact their ability to type, write, and/or play sports.
  • They might get overwhelmed by tasks that involve a series of steps to perform at once.
  • Time management and organization are usually affected.

2. Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia is specific learning difficulty (a condition which may cause an individual to experience problems in a traditional classroom setting). It affects one’s understanding and comprehension of numbers and mathematics. They may find it difficult to recognize mathematical symbols, which is similar to how people with dyslexia cannot recognize letters and the sounds that go with them. In instances where dyslexia and dyscalculia present together, solving mathematical word problems can be especially difficult. Furthermore, people with dyscalculia may:

  • Have difficulty counting backwards.
  • Have difficulty understanding and comprehending numbers.
  • They may exhibit difficulty with estimation of numbers.
  • Take longer than usual to perform calculations.
  • Struggle with quantity, pricing, and money.
  • Have difficulty telling the time.

3. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), formerly known as attention deficit disorder (ADD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity resulting in disruptive behavior, and taking spontaneous actions that might be considered inappropriate sometimes. Children with ADHD may experience:

  • Difficulty in sustaining attention during tasks.
  • They are easily distracted. 
  • Difficulty in following through the instructions accurately.
  • Difficulty in sitting still
  • They often run, climb, or speak in situations where it is not appropriate.
  • Makes mindless mistakes in academic work, because of not maintaining attention

The inattentive and impulsive behaviors associated with ADHD can significantly hinder a child's academic progress, potentially leading to decreased performance and grades. This overlap in challenges can often be confused with dyslexia, leading to a misdiagnosis.

4. Autism

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how a person communicates with and relates to the world around them. It can exist on its own or with other conditions. Signs of autism include:

  • A lack of social and communication skills.
  • A rigid, inflexible dependence on routine.
  • Unusual repetitive and/or restricted engagement in sensory behaviors.

5. Emotional, Mental, and Behavior Issues

Children with dyslexia may be at an increased risk for anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and behavioral outbursts. This may be due to unrecognized and undiagnosed specific learning difficulty (a condition which may cause an individual to experience problems in a traditional classroom setting) that cause frustration in their daily life. The behavior is usually a reaction to feeling like they do not belong or are not accepted, and not an actual symptom of dyslexia or other SLD. These can be addressed by putting in place proper support systems for dyslexia and, if necessary, psychological counselling with a professional.

Key Takeaways

  • Specific learning disabilities tend to occur together since learning tends to require the same kind of functioning of the brain. 
  • Some common co-occurring difficulties include dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, autism, and some emotional and mental health issues.
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