Short Answer
Yes, a child can have more than one learning difficulty. It's common for conditions such as dyslexia, ADHD, dyspraxia, and auditory processing disorder to co-occur. Understanding how these challenges overlap helps professionals tailor support strategies that address the child’s unique learning needs more effectively.
Understanding Learning Difficulty in Children
A learning difficulty is a condition that affects how a child processes information, impacting their ability to read, write, concentrate, communicate, or organise tasks. These challenges are not a reflection of intelligence; many children with learning difficulties are bright but require different methods of instruction.
Common types of learning difficulties include:
Dyslexia – impacts reading and spelling
Dyscalculia – affects maths and number concepts
Dyspraxia – influences motor coordination and planning
ADHD – involves inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) – affects how the brain interprets sounds
A child can experience one or more of these conditions at the same time, a situation referred to as comorbidity or co-occurring learning difficulties.
Why Multiple Learning Difficulties Often Co-Exist
The brain functions that support learning—such as memory, attention, language processing, and coordination—are interconnected. When one area is affected, it may influence or overlap with another.
For example:
A child with dyslexia may also have trouble with auditory processing because both involve decoding spoken and written language.
Kids with ADHD often experience reading or writing challenges because of reduced focus and working memory.
Dyspraxia can interfere with handwriting and organisation, making tasks like timed writing or sequencing more difficult.
Professionals often look at the bigger picture rather than treating each condition in isolation.
Signs That May Suggest More Than One Learning Difficulty
Some indicators that a child might have more than one learning challenge include:
Difficulty across multiple school subjects
Poor handwriting along with trouble with reading or spelling
Easily distracted and unable to follow multi-step instructions
Frequent frustration or low confidence in learning environments
Inconsistent academic performance, even with support
These signs don’t confirm a diagnosis but suggest the need for a comprehensive assessment by professionals.
The Importance of a Comprehensive Assessment
If more than one learning difficulty is suspected, a team approach is usually best. Professionals involved may include:
Educational psychologists
Speech-language professionals
Occupational professionals
Behavioural or developmental specialists
They use a combination of standardised assessments, classroom observations, and developmental history to understand how the child learns—and where support is needed.
The outcome is a clearer, more accurate picture that allows for tailored support and adjustments at school and home.
How Support Plans Are Adapted for Multiple Needs
When multiple learning difficulties are present, support strategies should be layered and personalised. A child might benefit from:
Targeted literacy programs for dyslexia
Visual aids and step-by-step instructions for auditory or attention challenges
Motor skill exercises for dyspraxia
Flexible classroom arrangements to manage distractions
Schools often develop an Individualised Learning Plan (ILP) that outlines these supports, ensuring all areas of need are addressed.
Programs like Australia’s Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD) help schools make appropriate adjustments for children with learning difficulties, whether they have one or several.
Final Thoughts
Yes, a child can absolutely have more than one learning difficulty—and this is more common than many people realise. With the right assessments, understanding, and tailored interventions, children with multiple challenges can thrive academically and emotionally.
Recognising that learning is not a one-size-fits-all experience is the first step in helping every child reach their full potential. The key is early identification, supportive environments, and consistent collaboration between families, educators, and professionals.
