Page 17 - Part-A

Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties

Other conditions that may co-occur with Specific
Learning Difficulties

It has already been established that SpLDs commonly co-occur alongside one another
– for example, one individual may be diagnosed with dyslexia and dyspraxia, whereas
another may have a diagnosis of dyslexia and ADHD. Remember also that Autism
Spectrum Condition may be diagnosed alongside any of the SpLDs. It is important,
however, to understand that the impact of the conditions on each person is individual
and different; the symptoms and difficulties show themselves in a variety of ways.
Effects range from mild to severe in different people.

However, the exact degree of co-occurrence in any individual is hard to measure
precisely because of the overlap of common characteristics.

People with SpLDs are particularly vulnerable to stress compared to the rest of the
population. As a result of stress and anxiety, the difficulties they face become even
more pronounced and this in turn leads to low self-esteem and a loss of confidence.

Anxiety is a common and reoccurring theme amongst people with SpLDs; a Dyspraxia
Foundation survey in 2014 found that 40% of young people with Dyspraxia/DCD aged
13 to 19 years felt anxious ‘all the time’.

Source: Teaching for Neurodiversity: A Guide to Specific Learning Difficulties

Anxiety and stress can lead to poor sleeping patterns and ultimately sleep disorders.

Key Fact

It is very common for people to have more than one co-occurring
SpLD. Other conditions that co-occur include stress, anxiety and
sleep disorders.

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