Naturally the link between autism and learning difficulties varies from child to child so it is not possible to just draw a straight line from one to another. However it has been established that if a child is autistic they are more likely to have some form of accompanying learning difficulties than a neurotypical child

Those that do have difficulties find they manifest in a number of ways, and may vary depending on the individual child’s strengths and challenges.

Some children with autism may have difficulty with reading, writing, and math, and may need extra support in these areas. Others may have difficulty processing and retaining information, and may need to learn at a slower pace. Children with autism may also have difficulty with executive functioning skills, such as planning, organizing, and problem-solving.

It’s important to note that there is a wide range of severity in autism, and the specific learning difficulties that a child with autism experiences will depend on their individual strengths and challenges. Some children with autism may have average or above-average intelligence and may have relatively mild learning difficulties, while others may have more significant cognitive impairments and may need more intensive support.

It’s also important to note that children with autism can and do learn, and with the right support and interventions, they can make significant progress in their learning and development. Early diagnosis and intervention can be particularly helpful in supporting children with autism and learning difficulties. This may include therapies such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and applied behaviour analysis, as well as accommodations in the classroom, such as extra time on tests or the use of visual aids.

Feel free to browse our site for tips and help with raising your child. There is also support available from the UK’s National Autistic Society or the US Autism Association.