The Effect of Comorbid AD/HD and Learning Disabilities on Parent-Reported Behavioral and Academic Outcomes of Children

Abstract

Data from the 2001 National Household Education Survey were examined to estimate the prevalence of comorbid AD/HD and LD among school-aged children in the United States and assess how this comorbidity was associated with selected parent-reported behavioral and academic outcomes. The observed prevalence of comorbidity coincided with estimates in previous studies. Parents of children with comorbid AD/HD + LD were significantly more likely than parents of children with LD-only to be contacted by teachers about behavioral problems at school. Additionally, students with comorbid disorders were more likely than students with AD/HD-only to show impaired academic outcomes. However, when compared to children with AD/HD-only, children with comorbidity did not show significantly impaired behavioral outcomes; and when compared to children with LD-only, they did not show significantly impaired academic outcomes.

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