Specific learning disorders, or SLD, are cognitive and behavioral conditions that emerge
during childhood and involve significant difficulties in acquiring and performing
specific intellectual, motor, language, and social functions. These disorders impact
personal, social, academic, and professional functioning throughout life. In France,
between 6% and 8% of the population, including both children and adults, are affected by
at least one type of SLD.
SLD are also frequently associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD),
with prevalence rates ranging from 33% to 70%, depending on the study. This comorbidity
leads to more severe attention and learning difficulties than when ADHD or SLD occur
independently.
ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects cognitive attentional
processes, with or without hyperactivity. It is estimated to affect approximately 5.3% of
children and adolescents worldwide and about 3% of adults.
The assessment of these disorders is conducted through a neuropsychological evaluation,
which determines the type and severity of cognitive impairments.
Several studies report that 55% to 74% of children with ADHD experience sleep
difficulties.
To date, only two studies have examined the prevalence of sleep disorders among children
with SLD disorders. One of these studies focused exclusively on dyslexia, with or without
ADHD. The results revealed significantly higher scores among dyslexic children compared
to controls when completing sleep disorder assessment questionnaires (SDSC). The main
difficulties were related to "sleep onset and maintenance disorders," "sleep-related
breathing disorders," and "wakefulness disorders." The second study, using the same
questionnaire, compared children with ADHD, SLD disorders, and both combined. The group
with co-existing SLD and ADHD disorders exhibited significantly more sleep disturbances
than the other groups, primarily sleep onset and maintenance disorders.
Despite the importance of these studies, they focused only on sleep disorders associated
with dyslexia, without considering other learning disorders such as dyspraxia,
dyscalculia, or dysgraphia. Furthermore, when ADHD was taken into account, the studies
did not differentiate between its various forms, limiting the interpretation of the
results. Additionally, no research has tracked the evolution of sleep disorders in the
SLD +/- ADHD population from childhood through adolescence and into adulthood.
In this study, the investigators aim to evaluate sleep disorders in the SLD population
(with or without ADHD) in France through online questionnaires. These questionnaires will
be offered to 1,000 children (aged ≥4 years) and adults diagnosed with at least one
specific learning disorder.
Primary Objective:
The main objective of this study is to assess the frequency and nature of sleep disorders
in patients (both adults and children) with specific learning disorders, with or without
ADHD.
Secondary Objectives:
Characterize the "SLD" patient population in France by considering age and gender:
o Determine the prevalence of co-morbidities, such as: ADHD Anxiety and depressive
disorders Other reported medical conditions
Identify whether the following factors are associated with a higher frequency of
sleep disorders:
Single SLD vs. multiple SLD
The presence of ADHD, anxiety-depressive disorders, or other medical conditions
alongside SLD
Demographic characteristics (age, gender, etc.)
Family history of SLD among relatives (parents and siblings)
Medication use