OCTOBER2002

Q: How prevalent are learning disorders in children with an emotional disorder?

Approximately 10%-25% of children with learning disabilities will have a Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Attention Deficit /Hyperactivity Disorder, Major Depressive or Dysthymic Disorder. According to an article published by Health Education Consultants:

"Children with learning disabilities frequently experience low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy. They may start the school year believing that this year will better, but as they fall further behind compared to their peers, they begin to question their abilities. If they continue to have repeated failures, then they will become increasingly demoralized. This is especially true if the learning disorder has not been recognized. Often it is not a learning disability that brings the child to the attention professional but instead more obvious problems, such as poor attention span, decreased concentration, hyperactivity, irritability, low frustration tolerance, lack of motivation, moodiness, and disruptiveness. If the youth is depressed, other symptoms may include: changes in sleeping and eating; decreased energy and concentration; feelings of sadness, boredom, or irritability, withdrawal from friends, family, and social activities, severe feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness and suicidal thoughts. The presence of a learning disability may go undetected. Testing for learning disabilities, therefore, should be performed for children exhibiting unexplained problem behaviors."

The DSM IV states that "Learning Disorders are diagnosed when an individual achievement on individually administered standardized tests in reading, mathematics or written expression is substantially below that expected for age, schooling and level of intelligence." The same standard is usually applied to speech and language disorders.

The most common disorders are: 

• Reading (which is more prevalent in boys than in girls) 

• Mathematics 

• Written expression 

• Motor skills

• Communication (expressive, mixed receptive-expressive, articulation, and stuttering)

A comprehensive assessment of the youth's physical, emotional, and academic strengths and vulnerabilities should be completed as an essential component in developing a truly integrated, effective treatment plan.

Autism/Learning Disabilities. Health Education Consultants 8, P.O. Box 22593. Kansas City, MO 64113. (913) 831-1393