Clinical and psychoeducational profile of children with specific learning disability and co-occurring attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
BACKGROUND
Almost 10% of school-going children have specific learning disability (SpLD) in the form of dyslexia, dysgraphia and/or dyscalculia. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) occurs as a comorbidity in about 20% of these children.


OBJECTIVE
To document the clinical profile and academic history of children with SpLD and co-occurring ADHD.


METHODS
Prospective observational study conducted in our clinic.


METHODS
From August to November 2004, 50 consecutively diagnosed children (34 boys, 16 girls) were included in the study. SpLD was diagnosed on the basis of psychoeducational testing. Diagnosis of ADHD was made by DSM-IV-revised criteria. Detailed clinical and academic history and physical and neurological examination findings were noted.


METHODS
Chi-square test or unpaired student's t-test was applied wherever applicable.


RESULTS
The mean age of children was 11.4 years (+/-SD 2.5, range 7-17.1). Fifteen (30%) children had a significant perinatal history, 12 (24%) had delayed walking, 11 (22%) had delayed talking, 5 (10%) had microcephaly, 27 (54%) displayed soft neurological signs and 10 (20%) had primary nocturnal enuresis. There were no differentiating features between the two gender groups. Their academic problems were difficulties in writing (96%), inattentiveness (96%), difficulties in mathematics (74%), hyperactivity (68%) and difficulties in reading (60%). All children had poor school performance, 15 (30%) had already experienced class retention and 20 (40%) had developed aggressive or withdrawn behavior.


CONCLUSIONS
Children with SpLD and co-occurring ADHD need to be identified at an early age to prevent poor school performance and behavioral problems.
Karande
Sunil
S
Learning Disability Clinic, Department of Pediatrics, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and General Hospital, Sion, Mumbai, India. karandesunil@yahoo.com
Satam
Nitin
N
Kulkarni
Madhuri
M
Sholapurwala
Rukhshana
R
Chitre
Anita
A
Shah
Nilesh
N
D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002648:Child; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011581:Psychological Tests