The results of testing may indicate that your child has a learning disability other than dyslexia. In some cases, the learning disability may be the same thing as dyslexia. For example, the evaluation may conclude that your child has a Developmental Reading Disorder or Phonological Processing Disorder. These phrases are merely different ways of describing dyslexia or a subtype.

It is also very common for children with dyslexia to be diagnosed as having Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD), Central Auditory Processing Disorder (APD or CAPD), or a visual processing issue. These are different from dyslexia, but there is substantial overlap in symptoms. That is, in many cases diagnosis of these conditions will be made based on the same symptoms that support a diagnosis of dyslexia.

For example, dyslexia is primarily a problem with processing of language, and reading problems are often accompanied by problems with using and understanding language. It is possible for a child to have an auditory processing disorder without dyslexia, but when a child has both the auditory processing issues and difficulty with reading, they probably are simply different manifestations of the same underlying language processing problem. The real issue is that the child needs help with understanding the sounds of language.

Similarly, Attention Deficit Disorder is generally characterized by high distractibility, difficulty staying “on task,” and a variety of related behavioral problems. A child who cannot read and is feeling confused or frustrated in the classroom is likely to manifest the same sort of symptoms.

However, it is also possible that a child will have additional symptoms or problems that will support a dual diagnosis. For example, difficulty with reading will not cause a child to be hyperactive, but many children with dyslexia also have the hyperactive form of ADHD. Solving one problem won't help unless the other is also addressed.