Understanding Dyslexia Beyond Reading: Common Co-occurring Conditions

Dyslexia rarely exists in isolation. While primarily known as a learning disorder affecting reading skills, dyslexia frequently co-occurs with other conditions that can impact a child's development, learning, and well-being. Understanding these co-morbidities is crucial for parents seeking comprehensive support for their children.

ADHD and Dyslexia: Frequent Companions

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is perhaps the most common condition to co-occur with dyslexia, with research suggesting overlap rates of 25-40%. Children with both conditions face unique challenges:

• Difficulty sustaining attention during reading tasks that are already challenging

• Increased frustration when attempting to focus on text that is difficult to decode

• Challenges with both reading comprehension and the executive functioning skills needed to organize written work

Early identification of both conditions allows for interventions that address attention and reading difficulties simultaneously, rather than mistaking attention issues for lack of effort or motivation.

Dysgraphia: When Writing Is Also Affected

Dysgraphia, a condition affecting written expression, frequently accompanies dyslexia. Children with this co-morbidity struggle with:

• Forming letters and words consistently

• Organizing thoughts on paper

• Spelling difficulties beyond what is typically seen in dyslexia alone

• Fine motor coordination for handwriting tasks

For these children, assistive technology like speech-to-text software can be particularly helpful, allowing them to express ideas without the barrier of writing difficulties.

Dyscalculia: Mathematical Challenges

Mathematics can also be affected in approximately 20-60% of children with dyslexia. Dyscalculia manifests as:

• Difficulty with number sense and basic calculations

• Challenges remembering math facts

• Problems with mathematical reasoning

• Difficulty with mathematical language and symbols

Multi-sensory approaches to teaching mathematics, similar to those used for reading instruction, often benefit children with both conditions.

Language Disorders

Many children with dyslexia also have underlying language processing issues that extend beyond reading:

• Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) affects overall language comprehension and expression

• Word retrieval difficulties (finding the right words when speaking)

• Challenges with understanding complex verbal instructions

These language difficulties can sometimes be overlooked when focus is placed exclusively on reading skills.

Anxiety and Emotional Health Considerations

Perhaps most important for parents to understand is that children with dyslexia frequently develop anxiety and emotional difficulties:

• School-related anxiety, especially around reading aloud or test-taking

• Lower self-esteem from repeated experiences of academic difficulty

• Social anxiety when comparing themselves to peers

• Depression, particularly in adolescents whose dyslexia went unidentified in early years

Creating a supportive environment that acknowledges these emotional challenges is just as important as academic interventions.

What Parents Can Do

If your child has been diagnosed with dyslexia, consider these steps:

1. Request comprehensive evaluations that look beyond reading skills

2. Share information across professionals (educators, psychologists, speech therapists)

3. Watch for signs of frustration, anxiety, or avoidance that might indicate co-occurring conditions

4. Advocate for accommodations that address all areas of difficulty

5. Build on strengths and interests to foster confidence and resilience

Remember that many children with dyslexia and co-occurring conditions possess remarkable strengths in creative thinking, problem-solving, and visual-spatial abilities. With appropriate support addressing all areas of challenge, these children can thrive.

Understanding the full picture of your child's learning profile—not just the dyslexia—allows for more targeted, effective interventions and a more compassionate approach to supporting their development.

This blog post was written by our Licensed Dyslexia Therapy team. If you have concerns about your child's learning or development, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.