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Medical Author:

Neelkamal S Soares, MD, MBBS, FAAP

Medical Editor:

Elizabeth A Finley-Belgrad, MD

Medical Editor:

Mary L Windle, PharmD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Children with dyslexia can have simultaneous (often called "comorbid") disorders that interfere with learning.

Comorbid conditions:

1. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): This neurological disorder affects almost one in 10 children, and can affect one in five children with dyslexia. It mainly affects attention and organization, and may be accompanied by hyperactivity and impulsivity. This can seriously impact the learning of a child already impacted by dyslexia.

2. Affective Disorders (Anxiety, Depression): Children with dyslexia may have low self-esteem related to their struggles in academics and are prone to depressive and anxiety disorders. These are usually identified by change in a child's usual pattern of behavior and deterioration in academics accompanied by withdrawal from activities, greater irritability, mood swings, avoidance of school, change in alertness, eating, sleeping, and play habits.

3. Conduct Disorders (ODD, CD): Some children may demonstrate negative behaviors, defiance of authority, and aggressive behaviors in class, and engage in avoiding class work. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) further interferes with learning and peer relations in a classroom setting.