Genetic factors link ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia together

A new study from the Netherlands finds that ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia often appear together due to shared genetic factors. This research shows that children with ADHD are more likely to struggle with reading and math because of inherited traits, not because ADHD causes these learning difficulties. ADHD is a disorder that affects attention and impulse control. Dyslexia impacts reading and spelling skills, while dyscalculia makes understanding numbers and math difficult. Many kids with ADHD also show signs of dyslexia or dyscalculia. The study involved 19,125 twins and analyzed their conditions over time. Researchers gathered data on ADHD symptoms from teachers. They also measured reading, spelling, and math skills using a national testing system. Their findings reveal that 37% of children with ADHD also show signs of dyslexia or dyscalculia. Additionally, children with ADHD are about 2.7 times more likely to have dyslexia and 2.1 times more likely to have dyscalculia compared to those without ADHD. The study emphasizes that genetics, not direct causation, explains why these conditions coexist. By studying twins, researchers found that the genetic risks for ADHD overlap with those for dyslexia and dyscalculia. This means some children inherit traits that make them susceptible to all three conditions. The results suggest that treating ADHD may not improve reading and math skills because the issues stem from a shared genetic vulnerability. However, the study also highlights the importance of quality education and early intervention, as these can significantly help children with learning difficulties. Researchers plan to further explore the interaction between genetics and environmental factors to better understand educational outcomes. They stress that recognizing the genetic basis of these disorders is about meeting children's needs rather than labeling them. Most children with one condition do not have another, challenging the belief that these disorders always occur together.