Living with one learning or attention condition can be difficult on its own — but when it’s compounded with another condition, everyday tasks might feel insurmountable. As research shows, learning and attention challenges, such as ADHD, dyslexia and others, are closely linked and often overlap.
According to the National Resource Center on ADHD, more than two-thirds of people with ADHD have at least one other coexisting condition and between 30% and 50% have a learning condition. In turn, dyslexia (the most common learning condition) co-occurs with ADHD at rates between 30% and 50%.
Understanding common co-occurring conditions is crucial when developing a treatment plan. Considering all the possible overlapping difficulties helps guide a more comprehensive, effective and successful treatment pathway.
What are the most common co-occurring learning and attention conditions? And what do they mean for you or your child?
Anxiety
According to a 2016 survey in the Journal of Clinical Child and Adult Psychology, 30% of children with ADHD had anxiety. Moreover, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports around 50% of adults with ADHD also suffer from an anxiety disorder — ADHD and anxiety are some of the most common coexisting conditions.
Anxiety is our mental physiological response to a perceived threat. Anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder or panic attacks, cause constant worrying or fear that could impact everyday life. Unfortunately, ADHD can fuel anxiety and vice versa, with symptoms like inconsistency, procrastination, poor working memory, exaggerated emotions and more.
Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia and Dyspraxia
ADHD and learning difficulties like dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia relate to executive function difficulties in the brain. Dyslexia and dyscalculia are the most common co-occurring learning conditions for people with ADHD, but dysgraphia and dyspraxia appear often as well. Executive function refers to processes in the brain which facilitate the execution of skills and behaviors to accomplish goals. When someone has ADHD or dyslexia, they may struggle with executive function. This can make school (and if left untreated, work) frustrating.
- Dyslexia is associated with difficulty in word recognition and poor spelling. It’s usually identified when a child starts learning to read.
- Dysgraphia is known to make writing difficult. It may manifest as poor handwriting, trouble with spelling and difficulties with communicating written thoughts.
- Dyscalculia is a similar difficulty with numbers and the child may have difficulties in completing simple math equations.
- Dyspraxia is a developmental condition that impacts physical coordination and movement. Children with dyspraxia may seem clumsy, have trouble holding a writing utensil or tying shoelaces.
It’s imperative to note that ADHD and related learning challenges are unrelated to intelligence — your child is likely very smart but may need a little extra support in school.
Sleep Problems
Several studies have found a correlation between ADHD and disordered or disturbed sleep. Sleep problems may include apnea, limb movements, bedtime resistance, difficulty with morning awakenings, sleep onset difficulties and daytime sleepiness. It is unclear if sleep disruptions are a symptom of ADHD or if ADHD contributes to existing sleep problems — what is clear, however, is irregular sleep’s lasting impact on children, affecting areas such as cognitive performance, vocabulary acquisition, learning and memory and much more.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder (CD)
The same 2016 survey in the Journal of Clinical Child and Adult Psychology found around 50% of children with ADHD also had a behavior or conduct problem, which can include ODD and CD.
- Children with ODD may persistently act out, frequently losing their temper, refusing the comply with rules or deliberately annoying others. Signs of ODD usually appear before eight years old.
- Children with CD, on the other hand, may show a behavioral pattern of aggression. They might break serious rules and social norms, cause harm or intentionally damage others’ belongings.
Identifying and Treating Coexisting Conditions
If you’re concerned your child has ADHD, dyslexia or a combination of learning and attention challenges, early treatment is key. Working with an experienced clinician can help your child discover ways to manage their symptoms and achieve their goals. Oftentimes, ADHD may be treated first if present. Managing ADHD can lead to reduced stress, expanded attentional resources and improved quality of life — making it much easier to address and overcome co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or insomnia.
At Winston Center, clinicians will work with the patient, parents and loved ones to screen for various conditions, addressing a broad range of medical, psychological and lifestyle factors to create a customized treatment pathway.