Dyslexia and Comorbidities: What Parents and Teachers Should Know
When we talk about dyslexia, most people think only about reading and spelling challenges. But did you know that dyslexia often comes hand-in-hand with other learning differences? These are called comorbidities—and understanding them is important for helping children thrive.
What Do We Mean by “Comorbidities”?
Comorbidities are conditions that can occur alongside dyslexia. They don’t cause dyslexia, and dyslexia doesn’t cause them—but when they overlap, they can make learning feel even harder. Spotting these extra challenges early makes it easier to give the right kind of support.
Common Conditions That May Overlap with Dyslexia
👉 ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
Some children with dyslexia also struggle to focus, stay organized, or manage their time. When ADHD is present too, it can add to school frustrations—but with the right strategies, children can still flourish.
👉 Dyscalculia
Sometimes called “math dyslexia,” dyscalculia makes understanding numbers, sequences, and math concepts difficult. A child might be bright and creative but still find it tough to learn times tables or solve simple sums.
👉 Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)
This condition affects movement and coordination. A child may appear “clumsy,” have messy handwriting, or find it hard to plan tasks. Pairing this with dyslexia can make schoolwork even more tiring.
👉 Speech and Language Delays
Many children with dyslexia also experience language difficulties, like trouble pronouncing words clearly or following complex instructions. These challenges often show up in early childhood.
👉 Anxiety and Low Self-Esteem
Years of struggling in school can take an emotional toll. Children may feel “less capable” than their peers, leading to school-related stress or avoidance. With encouragement and support, their confidence can be rebuilt.
Why This Matters
When a child has both dyslexia and another condition, support needs to be more tailored. For example:
* A child with dyslexia + ADHD may need structured literacy and tools to manage attention.
* Dyslexia + dyscalculia means support in both reading and math.
* If anxiety is present, emotional wellbeing should be prioritized alongside academics.
Understanding the whole child—not just the label “dyslexia”—helps families, teachers, and specialists provide more meaningful support.
Supporting Children with Dyslexia and Comorbidities
✅ Get an early, comprehensive assessment to understand your child’s unique profile.
✅ Use structured, evidence-based approaches like Orton-Gillingham for reading.
✅ Work as a team—teachers, specialists, and parents all play a role.
✅ Celebrate strengths in creativity, problem-solving, and resilience, not just academics.
✅ Support emotional wellbeing as much as school performance.
✨ Every child with dyslexia is different. When we recognize comorbidities and look at the whole picture, we can give children not only the tools to learn—but also the confidence to shine.