Knowing the difference in symptoms between dyslexia and autism can be extremely tricky. How can you know if your child who reads slower than his classmates has dyslexia or autism (or something entirely different)?
Wanting to support your child or a loved one cope with having learning challenges can be difficult when you don’t know what they’re symptoms mean. And it can be especially difficult to decipher if some symptoms tie to dyslexia and/or autism.
In this article, we will explore the relationship between dyslexia and autism. Dyslexia affects reading and writing, while autism impacts social communication and behavior. Despite their differences, some individuals can have both conditions. We will discuss the similarities, co-occurrence, and how understanding these connections can lead to better support and care for those affected by dyslexia and autism.
Dyslexia and autism are both neurodevelopmental disorders that affect the way individuals process information, particularly in the realm of communication and social interactions. While they are distinct conditions with unique features, there are some notable similarities between them.
Both dyslexia and autism have a neurological basis and are considered to be lifelong conditions, and both conditions result from atypical brain development.
There is some overlap in the symptoms displayed by individuals with dyslexia and autism. For instance, both may struggle with language and communication. People with dyslexia might experience difficulty expressing themselves verbally, while individuals with autism might have challenges understanding non-literal language, such as sarcasm or metaphors.
Sensory sensitivities are common in both dyslexia and autism. Individuals with dyslexia may be sensitive to visual or auditory stimuli, while people with autism often experience heightened sensitivity to sensory input, such as sounds, lights, textures, or smells. These sensitivities can impact their daily lives and contribute to sensory overload or meltdowns.
While dyslexia primarily affects language-related skills, it can also impact social interactions to some degree. Similarly, individuals with autism commonly face challenges in understanding and navigating social situations, often struggling with interpreting social cues and norms.
Kids on the Move is a non-profit organization that provides support to children with autism and other learning disabilities. We offer a variety of programs and services to help children develop social skills, improve communication, and reduce anxiety. We provide a safe and supportive environment where children can participate in a range of activities, such as art, music, and sports, while also receiving specialized support from trained professionals.
Dyslexia and autism are distinct neurodevelopmental disorders, and while they may share some similarities, they also have several significant differences:
Dyslexia primarily affects language-based skills, particularly reading, writing, and spelling. Individuals with dyslexia may have trouble decoding words, recognizing letter-sound associations, and comprehending written text. Autism, on the other hand, is characterized by challenges in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive behaviors. People with autism may struggle with understanding non-verbal cues, developing relationships, and interpreting social norms.
Dyslexia does not inherently affect social communication skills. While individuals with dyslexia may experience difficulties in academic settings due to reading and writing challenges, they usually have typical social interactions. Autism is primarily a social communication disorder. Individuals with autism often struggle with understanding social cues, body language, and facial expressions, which can hinder their ability to form meaningful relationships and participate in social activities.
Dyslexia does not involve repetitive behaviors or restricted interests as a defining feature. It is primarily characterized by difficulties in language processing and academic tasks. Autism spectrum disorder often involves repetitive behaviors, such as hand-flapping, rocking, or engaging in rigid routines. People with autism may also display intense interests in specific topics or activities, sometimes to the exclusion of other activities.
Dyslexia is often a stand-alone condition and does not commonly co-occur with other neurodevelopmental disorders. Autism, however, frequently co-occurs with other conditions, such as intellectual disabilities, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and specific learning disabilities like dyslexia.
An important part of correctly diagnosing someone with autism and/or dyslexia is recognizing early signs of the two. Early intervention can set a child on the right track for navigating life with a learning disability. Let’s learn more about some early signs of dyslexia and autism in young children.
Here are several early signs that may indicate a possible dyslexia diagnosis:
Identifying early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is crucial for early intervention and support. Keep in mind that autism is a spectrum disorder, and individuals with ASD can display a wide range of behaviors and characteristics. Here are some early signs that may indicate a possible autism diagnosis:
Having both dyslexia and autism is possible due to the complex nature of neurodevelopmental disorders. Dyslexia primarily affects language processing, while autism impacts social communication and behavior. Individuals can exhibit overlapping traits, leading to a dual diagnosis. For instance, a person with autism might struggle with language comprehension, leading to dyslexia-like difficulties. Alternatively, a person with dyslexia may also experience social challenges common in autism. This co-occurrence requires tailored interventions addressing both conditions’ unique aspects to support the individual’s learning, communication, and social interactions effectively.
Although it is possible to have both dyslexia and autism, having one disorder does not guarantee an individual also has the other. This is why it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of both and seek a professional’s opinion to ensure the correct diagnosis.
With the correct diagnosis, individuals can receive appropriate support and be set to accomplish great things throughout their lives like any other person.
Understanding the distinct characteristics of dyslexia and autism is essential for providing appropriate support. Early intervention is critical for children facing these challenges. However, the cost of specialized therapies can be a significant burden. Providing a year of early intervention therapy for a child with developmental delays can cost approximately $5,000. Your support can help bridge this gap and ensure that children receive the care they need to thrive. Join us in our mission to transform special needs care.
Mat Datstrop, Chief Financial Officer at KOTM, truly embodies a blend of expertise and visionary leadership. Joining Kids on the Move in September 2019, Mat brought a rich history of accomplishments, having served as CFO for manufacturing and software companies. His successful track record includes starting and selling three businesses, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and strategic insight. As a licensed CPA and a Six Sigma Black Belt, Mat’s skill set is uniquely suited to driving innovation and accuracy within financial processes. His passion for integrating technology and developing robust accounting systems positions KOTM for long-term success. In his role, Mat is deeply dedicated to creating sustainable impacts that will echo throughout KOTM for decades. His presence in the organization is marked by a steadfast commitment to fostering an environment of lasting change, ensuring families benefit from his transformative work well into the future.
Ryan Erickson, the Chief Operating Officer of KOTM, brings extensive experience and a passionate commitment to nurturing innovation and growth. With over two decades spent as a thought leader and innovator across leadership roles in the medical, software start-ups, technical consulting, and information technology sectors, he has steered successful technology companies to new heights.
Ryan’s expertise is unparalleled. His dedication to mentoring entrepreneurs and CEOs in transforming ideas into reality speaks to his compassionate nature and deep-seated commitment to growth. Serving on several software and technical company boards, Ryan consistently helps these companies reach new heights.
At KOTM, Ryan is uniquely positioned to guide the organization into its next 40 years. His diverse skill set enables KOTM to not only meet current challenges with agility but also to strategically position itself for future growth under his committed leadership. Ryan continues to inspire hope and innovation, reinforcing KOTM’s status as a beacon of support and transformation for families everywhere.
Rutherford is the strategic visionary and Chief Executive Officer of Kids on the Move (KOTM). A multifaceted and sophisticated businesswoman, she has led the trailblazing multimillion-dollar non-profit in its commitment to providing essential and comprehensive support, education, and therapies for children with delays and disabilities. Rutherford has now spent 20 years in executive leadership roles within the telecommunications, genealogy, real estate, health care services, and education industries. Her notable contributions lie in her perseverance to find impossible and impactful solutions. Rutherford is skilled at reverse-engineering goals by mapping out exactly what is required for a successful outcome.
To help raise $150M to expand KOTM’s support services and establish a state-of-the-art center, Rutherford has partnered with Forbes Books to author and publish Chasing The Impossible, a captivating exposé delving into Kids on the Move’s transformative work. With it, she uncovers the compelling stories of resilience and hope from children, families, doctors, and community members who tenaciously pushed forward when faced with impossible odds or challenges.
Her profound understanding of what it takes to overcome the impossible stems from her own journey as a survivor of abuse and trauma, which has shaped her philanthropic missions, her intuitive nature, and her steadfast leadership. As a CEO, mom, speaker, and philanthropist, Rutherford believes discipline is one of the highest forms of self-love, consistently putting in the necessary work every single day to provide impactful solutions for others, promote a balanced and holistic lifestyle, and create opportunities for continuous growth and empowerment around the world.