Your child’s teacher mentioned they’re having trouble keeping up with reading assignments. Or maybe you’ve noticed they struggle to follow multi-step directions, even though they clearly understand what’s being asked. Perhaps homework time has become a battle because focusing feels impossible for them.
When your child has autism, learning difficulties can show up in unexpected ways. And as a parent, it’s hard to know where the autism ends and a separate learning challenge begins—or whether they’re even separate at all.
Autism isn’t a learning disability. But learning difficulties and autism often occur together, and understanding why can help you find the right support. ABA therapy can’t change a diagnosis, but it can build the foundational skills your child needs to succeed in school—skills like sustained attention, following instructions, and managing frustration when learning gets hard.
This guide will help you understand how autism and learning difficulties overlap, what that looks like in the classroom, and how ABA therapy can help your child build confidence and capability as a learner.
Understanding Autism and Learning Difficulties
Autism spectrum disorder and learning disabilities are two different diagnoses. Autism affects how your child communicates, relates to others, and processes sensory information. A learning disability specifically impacts how your child processes academic information—reading, writing, math, or a combination of these.
But the line between them isn’t always clear. Research shows that 30 to 50 percent of children with autism also have some form of learning difficulty. That doesn’t mean every child with autism will struggle academically. Some children with autism excel in school, particularly in areas that align with their interests. Others need more support and teaching methods tailored to how they learn best.
What Are Learning Difficulties in Autism?
Learning difficulties can look different depending on the child and the subject. Some common challenges include:
Reading comprehension. Your child might be able to decode words perfectly but struggle to understand what they’ve read or answer questions about a story.
Written expression. They might have thoughts and ideas but find it difficult to organize them on paper or struggle with the physical act of writing.
Math reasoning. Memorizing math facts might come easily, but applying those facts to word problems or multi-step equations feels overwhelming.
Attention and executive functioning. Your child might have trouble staying focused during lessons, remembering instructions, or organizing their materials and assignments.
These difficulties aren’t about intelligence. Many children with autism and learning challenges are bright and capable. They just need to be taught in ways that account for how their brains work.
Why Autism Makes Learning Harder (And What’s Really Going On)
There are a few reasons autism and learning difficulties tend to show up together.
Communication barriers can make it harder for your child to ask questions, request help, or demonstrate what they know. If they’re struggling to express themselves verbally, teachers might not realize how much they actually understand.
Sensory sensitivities can interfere with focus. A flickering light, a scratchy tag, or background noise that other kids tune out might feel overwhelming to your child, making it nearly impossible to concentrate on the lesson.
Executive functioning challenges affect planning, organization, and working memory. Your child might know the material but struggle to start an assignment, keep track of steps, or remember what they were supposed to do next.
Social communication differences can also impact group learning. If your child has trouble reading social cues or understanding unspoken classroom expectations, they might miss out on collaborative learning opportunities or feel anxious in group settings.
These overlapping factors don’t mean your child can’t learn. They mean your child needs support that addresses both the autism-related challenges and the specific learning difficulties they’re experiencing.
How does ABA Therapy Support Children with Learning Difficulties?
ABA therapy isn’t about teaching your child to read or solve math problems. That’s the job of teachers and academic interventions. What ABA does is build the underlying skills that make learning possible—things like sitting through a lesson, following directions, tolerating frustration, and staying engaged even when a task is hard.
These skills might sound basic, but they’re the foundation of everything that happens in a classroom. A child who can’t sustain attention for more than 30 seconds will struggle with any subject, no matter how smart they are. A child who melts down every time they make a mistake will avoid trying new things. ABA therapy helps your child develop these learning-readiness behaviors so they can participate in lessons and learn alongside their classmates.
Teaching a Child to Sit Through a Lesson
One of the most common learning barriers for children with autism is sustained attention. Your child might be able to focus on a preferred activity for an hour but can’t make it through a five-minute lesson on something less interesting.
ABA uses reinforcement strategies to gradually build your child’s ability to stay engaged. A therapist might start by asking your child to attend to a task for just 10 seconds, then immediately provide something your child enjoys—praise, a preferred activity, or a small break. Over time, the expectations increase. Ten seconds becomes 30 seconds, then a minute, then five minutes.
The goal isn’t to force your child to sit still indefinitely. It’s to help them build the stamina and regulation skills they need to participate in classroom activities without becoming overwhelmed or disengaged.
The Skills No One Teaches (But Every Child Needs)
Before your child can tackle complex academics, they need certain foundational skills. ABA therapists work on things like:
Matching and sorting. These pre-academic skills help children understand categories, patterns, and relationships, all of which are essential for reading and math.
Following multi-step directions. In school, your child will be asked to do things like “get your math book, turn to page 12, and complete problems 1 through 5.” ABA teaches your child how to break down instructions like these into individual steps and complete them in order.
Imitation and modeling. Learning often involves watching someone demonstrate a skill and then trying it yourself. ABA helps children develop strong imitation skills, which makes classroom learning more accessible.
Turn-taking and sharing materials. Many classroom activities require cooperation. ABA teaches these social skills in structured ways so your child can participate in group work without conflict.
These skills are the foundation of classroom success. Without them, even the smartest child may find learning a struggle.
Real-Life Applications of ABA in School Settings
ABA doesn’t just happen in a therapy room. The strategies your child learns can translate directly into school success when everyone works together.
What Happens When Everyone Gets on the Same Page
The most effective support happens when your child’s ABA team, their teachers, and you are all on the same page. That might mean your BCBA observes your child in the classroom to understand what’s working and what’s not. Or it might mean your child’s therapist trains school staff on specific strategies that help your child stay regulated during transitions or challenging tasks.
Some families also use ABA sessions to work on homework routines, organizational skills, or specific academic behaviors their child is struggling with at school. The key is consistency. When your child gets the same support and expectations across environments, progress happens faster.
The Seven-Year-Old Who Was Afraid to Be Wrong
Consider a seven-year-old we’ll call Maya. She was bright and verbal, but every time her teacher introduced a new concept, Maya would shut down. She’d put her head on the desk, refuse to answer questions, and sometimes cry. Her parents worried she had a learning disability. Her teacher wasn’t sure if it was autism-related or something else.
Maya’s BCBA observed her at school and noticed a pattern: Maya was afraid of making mistakes. When she didn’t immediately understand something, she assumed she couldn’t do it and gave up before trying.
The team created a plan. In ABA sessions, Maya’s therapist started presenting tasks that were intentionally challenging, then reinforced Maya for trying—not for getting the answer right. They practiced phrases like “I need help” and “Can you show me again?” They also worked on tolerating small mistakes without falling apart.
At school, Maya’s teacher started using the same language and reinforcement. Within a few months, Maya was attempting new tasks, asking for clarification when she was confused, and recovering more quickly when she made errors. Her reading skills improved because she was willing to try sounding out unfamiliar words instead of shutting down.
Maya didn’t suddenly stop having learning challenges. But she developed the resilience and self-advocacy skills she needed to push through them.
Why Early Support Makes a Difference
The earlier you can address learning difficulties, the better. That doesn’t mean waiting until your child is struggling in school. It means paying attention to early signs and getting support as soon as possible.
Catching Learning Difficulties Early
Some signs to watch for include:
- Difficulty following simple instructions or needing them repeated multiple times
- Trouble with early literacy skills like recognizing letters or rhyming words
- Struggling to count objects or understand quantity
- Avoiding tasks that require sustained attention or fine motor skills
- Becoming easily frustrated or shutting down when learning something new
If you’re seeing these patterns consistently, it’s worth talking to your child’s therapy team or pediatrician. Early intervention gives your child more time to build skills before academic demands increase.
How ABA Builds Lifelong Learning Skills
ABA isn’t just about fixing immediate problems. It’s about teaching your child how to learn. When your child develops skills like persistence, self-regulation, and problem-solving, those skills transfer to every area of their life, not just academics.
A child who learns to ask for help when they’re confused becomes a teenager who can advocate for themselves in high school. A child who learns to break down big tasks into smaller steps becomes an adult who can manage complex projects at work.
Why Families Choose United Care ABA
When you’re looking for support with learning difficulties, you want a team that understands both autism and education. At United Care ABA, we support your child’s academic progress with:
Expert Clinicians Who See Your Child’s Potential
Our BCBAs are trained to identify the specific barriers keeping your child from succeeding academically. We design treatment plans based on your child’s unique learning profile, their strengths, and the specific skills they need to build—not a generic template that treats every child the same.
Real Partnership with Schools and Families
We work with you and your child’s teachers to keep everyone on the same page. That might mean observing your child in the classroom, training school staff on helpful strategies, or staying in regular contact about what’s working at home, at school, and with siblings.
Learn more about how ABA therapy helps children develop the skills they need to thrive.
Accessible Care Through Insurance and Medicaid
We accept most major insurance plans and Medicaid, which means quality ABA therapy is more accessible than many families realize. Our team will help you understand your coverage and what your plan includes.
Get Support for Autism and Learning Difficulties
Every child can grow. Every child can learn. And every child deserves support that meets them where they are and helps them move forward.
If your child is struggling in school and you’re not sure where to start, we’re here to help. Request a consultation today to talk about what’s happening at home and school, and how we can support your child’s success.
You can also explore our ABA resources for parents for more strategies and guidance.
Autism and Learning Difficulties FAQs
Is autism the same as a learning disability?
No. Autism is a developmental condition that affects social communication, sensory processing, and behavior. A learning disability is a specific challenge with academic skills like reading, writing, or math. However, the two conditions often occur together. Research shows that 30 to 50 percent of children with autism also have learning difficulties, though not all do.
Can ABA therapy improve learning skills?
ABA therapy builds the foundational behaviors that make learning possible, such as paying attention, following directions, tolerating frustration, and staying engaged with challenging tasks. While ABA doesn’t replace academic instruction, it helps children develop the skills they need to access that instruction successfully. Many families see improvements in classroom participation, homework completion, and overall confidence as learners.
What kind of school support works best for children with autism?
The best support is individualized and collaborative. Many children with autism benefit from an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan that provides accommodations like extra time, visual supports, or sensory breaks. ABA therapy can complement school services by building skills at home that carry over into the classroom. Communication between your child’s therapist, teachers, and you is key to making sure everyone is working toward the same goals.
How can parents reinforce learning progress at home?
Use the same strategies your child’s therapist uses: clear instructions, consistent routines, and positive reinforcement for effort. Break tasks into smaller steps. Celebrate progress, even when it’s small. And create a homework environment that minimizes distractions and accommodates your child’s sensory needs. Your BCBA can give you specific strategies tailored to your child’s learning profile.
