A1 Journal article (refereed)
A Register Study Suggesting Homotypic and Heterotypic Comorbidity Among Individuals With Learning Disabilities (2024)

Aro, T., Neittaanmäki, R., Korhonen, E., Riihimäki, H., & Torppa, M. (2024). A Register Study Suggesting Homotypic and Heterotypic Comorbidity Among Individuals With Learning Disabilities. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 57(1), 30-42. https://doi.org/10.1177/00222194221150230

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Aro, Tuija; Neittaanmäki, Reeta; Korhonen, Elisa; Riihimäki, Heli; Torppa, Minna

Journal or series: Journal of Learning Disabilities

ISSN: 0022-2194

eISSN: 1538-4780

Publication year: 2024

Publication date: 11/02/2023

Volume: 57

Issue number: 1

Pages range: 30-42

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/00222194221150230

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/85700

Abstract

The present study examined whether learning disabilities (LD) in reading and/or math (i.e., reading disability [RD], math disability [MD], and RD+MD) co-occur with other diagnoses. The data comprised a clinical sample (n= 430) with LD identified in childhood and a sample of matched controls (n= 2,140). Their medical diagnoses (according to the International Classification of Diseases nosology) until adulthood (20–39 years) were analyzed. The co-occurrence of LD with neurodevelopmental disorders was considered a homotypic comorbidity, and co-occurrence with disorders or diseases from the other diagnostic categories (i.e., mental and behavioral disorders, diseases of the nervous system, injuries, other medical or physical diagnoses) was considered a heterotypic comorbidity. Both homotypic and heterotypic comorbidity were more common in the LD group. Co-occurring neurodevelopmental disorders were the most prominent comorbid disorders, but mental and behavioral disorders, diseases of the nervous system, and injuries were also pronounced in the LD group. Accumulation of diagnoses across the diagnostic categories was more common in the LD group. No differences were found among the RD, MD, and RD+MD subgroups. The findings are relevant from the theoretical perspective, as well as for clinical and educational practice, as they provide understanding regarding individual distress and guiding for the planning of support.

Keywords: reading; learning; learning difficulties; reading disorders; comorbidity

Free keywords: learning disabilities; reading disabilities; mathematical disabilities; homotypic and heterotypic comorbidity; register data

Contributing organizations

Related projects

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2023

Preliminary JUFO rating: 3