Which two examples are both types of learning difficulties?
2026
Which two examples are both types of learning difficulties?
Answer: C. Dyslexia and dyscalculia — Concept: A learning difficulty (a specific learning disability) is a neurodevelopmental condition in which a learner of broadly average or higher…
- A.
ADHD and color blindness
- B.
Color blindness and asthma
- C.
Dyslexia and dyscalculia
- D.
Asthma and dyslexia
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Concept: A learning difficulty (a specific learning disability) is a neurodevelopmental condition in which a learner of broadly average or higher intelligence, given adequate schooling and with intact vision and hearing, still shows persistent and unexpected difficulty in acquiring one particular academic skill — reading, writing or arithmetic.
The classification test is therefore the academic skill domain that is impaired. Conditions rooted in attention regulation, in the sense organs, or in general physical health are grouped elsewhere, however much they may affect school performance.
Application: Classify every condition named in the item against that test:
Condition | What it affects | Category |
|---|---|---|
Dyslexia | Word decoding, spelling, reading fluency | Specific learning disability — reading |
Dyscalculia | Number sense, arithmetic facts, calculation | Specific learning disability — mathematics |
ADHD | Attention regulation, impulse control, activity level | Attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder |
Color blindness | Hue discrimination via the retinal cone pigments | Sensory (visual) condition |
Asthma | Airway inflammation and reversible narrowing | Chronic respiratory illness |
Cross-check: The stem asks for a pair in which both members are learning difficulties, so apply the test to each pairing:
Dyslexia with dyscalculia — both are academic-skill disorders, one of reading and one of arithmetic, so both members pass the test.
ADHD with color blindness — an attention disorder together with a sensory deficiency; neither is an academic-skill disorder.
Color blindness with asthma — a sensory deficiency together with a respiratory illness; again neither is an academic-skill disorder.
Asthma with dyslexia — only one member is an academic-skill disorder, since asthma is a physical illness, so the pair is not wholly of learning difficulties.
Result: The pair in which both members are learning difficulties is dyslexia and dyscalculia.
Note: ADHD very often co-occurs with a specific learning difficulty and can depress classroom performance just as much, but it is classified separately: DSM-5 treats specific learning disorder, which covers dyslexia and dyscalculia, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder as distinct diagnoses. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 likewise names dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia and developmental aphasia under specific learning disabilities. Color blindness and asthma are not learning difficulties at all, although an unnoticed sensory or health problem can depress classroom performance and must be ruled out before a learning difficulty is suspected.