Co-Morbidity in Mathematical Learning Disabilities: Rule or Exception?

ABSTRACT

This paper presents an overview of two studies in which the co-morbidity of clinical disorders in mathematical learning disabilities (MLD) in elementary school children has been examined. MLD were reported in children with different levels of intelligence. About 54% did not meet the discrepancy-criterion. The proportions of reading (32%), spelling (21%), visuo-spatial (11%) and language disabilities (10%) were higher than that found in the general population. The proportion of ADHD (42%) was also higher than that found in the general proportion. Comorbid heterotypic depression and anxiety rates were 8% and 6% respectively. Furthermore a proportion of motor problems (15%) and ODD problems (5%) were reported. This study indicates that co-morbidity with clinical disorders is more a rule than exception in children with MLD. In addition, there may be different patterns of symptoms between genders. Girls more often had an averageintelligent but non-discrepant intelligence profile with less co-morbid problems.