Many different reasons may account for the well documented relationship between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and learning difficulties. Longitudinal Australian data support the earlier occurrence of behaviour problems than reading problems, especially for boys. Language, motivation, and biological mechanisms, and combinations of these factors, may contribute to this association. Current emphasis must be placed on early intervention for behaviour problems, assessment of LDs which are suspected by the Grade 2 or 7-year-old level, and a long-term perspective on the management of both conditions.
