Supporting Every Area of Need

In every classroom, there are students who struggle with learning. What many people don’t realize is that some children are not just dealing with one learning difference, but several at the same time. These are called co-occurring learning disorders, and they can make school especially challenging.

What Does Co-Occurring Mean?

A child may have difficulty with reading (dyslexia), math (dyscalculia), paying attention (ADHD), or language. Often, these challenges overlap. For example, a student might have both ADHD and a reading disorder. This doesn’t just mean “twice the struggle.” When difficulties stack together, they can affect learning in deeper and more complicated ways.

Why It Matters

When a child has more than one learning difference, the impact is often stronger. These students may:

• Struggle more in school

• Need extra, personalized support

• Risk being misunderstood if only one label is recognized

If a child is seen only as having ADHD, for instance, important reading or math needs might be missed.

Looking Beyond Labels

Traditionally, schools and doctors have used labels like “dyslexia” or “ADHD” to explain a child’s challenges. While labels can be helpful, they can also be limiting. Every child is unique, and their learning struggles rarely fit neatly into one box.

A better approach is to look at a child’s learning along a spectrum. Instead of asking, “Does this child have dyslexia, yes or no?” we can ask, “What specific reading, math, language, or attention skills are hard for this child, and how do they interact?” This way, we get a clearer picture and can support students in a way that truly matches their needs.

How Parents Can Advocate

Parents play a powerful role in making sure their child is supported in every area of need. If your child is being evaluated, speak up about the full range of challenges you see at home and in daily life, not just the ones highlighted at school. During IEP or 504 meetings, ask specific questions such as:

• How will my child’s reading, math, attention, and language needs each be supported?

• What interventions are in place for overlapping challenges?

• How will the school monitor progress in more than one area?

It’s also important to share your child’s strengths. Advocacy is not just about pointing out struggles but also ensuring that your child’s unique talents are recognized and built upon.

What Schools and Families Can Do

1. Use thorough evaluations that look at all areas of learning, not just one.

2. Plan personalized support that addresses the combination of challenges a student faces.

3. Educate teachers and families so they understand that learning differences often overlap.

4. Focus on strengths as well as challenges, since every child has unique abilities that can be built upon.

   
   

Children with co-occurring learning disorders need understanding and flexible support. By moving beyond labels and seeing the whole picture, we can create better strategies for learning and growth. And when parents, teachers, and schools work together, every child has the chance to thrive.