Enroll Now
Child with ADHD and dyslexia using learning aids for better concentration

ADHD and Dyslexia: Understanding the Overlap

How ADHD and Dyslexia Interact

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and dyslexia are two of the most common learning differences affecting children and adults. While they are separate conditions, they frequently occur together — studies suggest that 30–40% of people with dyslexia also have ADHD symptoms.

Both conditions influence how the brain processes information, learns, and organises tasks. Understanding how they interact can make a world of difference in creating effective support strategies.

👉 If you’re new to these terms, you may want to read our guide:
Understanding Dyslexia: A Complete Guide for Parents and Adults

What Are the Key Differences?

Although dyslexia and ADHD often overlap, their main characteristics are different:

     Aspect                                                                            Dyslexia                                                                                             ADHD
Core difficulty                                           Reading, spelling, and language processing                                  Attention, organisation, and impulse control
Typical signs                                Struggling with word recognition, slow reading, poor spelling              Easily distracted, forgetful, fidgety, impulsive
Learning impact                                                Difficulty decoding written words                                          Difficulty staying on task long enough to learn
Common overlap                         Difficulty focusing on reading or remembering instructions                 Trouble completing reading tasks or writing neatly

 

When both are present, challenges may multiply — but so can the opportunities for tailored, holistic support.

Why Do ADHD and Dyslexia Often Co-occur?

Research suggests that both dyslexia and ADHD share certain neurological traits, particularly in the brain regions that handle attention, working memory, and language processing.

This means a person with both conditions might have:

  • Trouble focusing long enough to decode text (ADHD-related).

  • Difficulty recognising words or spelling patterns (dyslexia-related).

  • Inconsistent performance — doing well one day, struggling the next.

The overlap can sometimes make diagnosis difficult. For instance, a child who appears inattentive in class may actually be struggling to read the material — or vice versa.

How ADHD and Dyslexia Affect Learning Together

Children and adults with both ADHD and dyslexia may find school, university, or work especially challenging because the conditions reinforce each other in subtle ways.

Common Learning Difficulties Include:

  • Difficulty following multi-step instructions.

  • Skipping lines or words when reading aloud.

  • Trouble managing time for assignments.

  • Poor spelling and inconsistent handwriting.

  • Frustration or low self-confidence from repeated struggles.

At Mind Mechanics, we often see that once individuals learn to manage their focus and reading challenges together, their learning confidence increases significantly.

👉 Learn more about our Dyslexia Mastery Programme and how it supports both reading and concentration skills.

How Diagnosis Works

If you suspect that ADHD and dyslexia may both be present, it’s best to start with a comprehensive assessment by a qualified educational or clinical psychologist.

The process may include:

  1. Screening for reading, writing, and attention difficulties.

  2. Cognitive testing to understand strengths and weaknesses.

  3. Behavioural interviews with parents, teachers, or the individual.

In Singapore, assessments are available through:

Effective Support Strategies

When both ADHD and dyslexia are identified, an integrated approach works best.

1. Structured, Multisensory Learning

Combining visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic methods helps to strengthen both attention and reading skills.

2. Manage Focus and Organisation

Use timers, colour-coded notes, and short study sessions with breaks to prevent mental fatigue.

3. Assistive Technology

Tools such as text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and audiobooks help reduce the reading burden and improve comprehension.

4. Emotional Support

Encourage resilience and self-awareness. Celebrate effort, not just achievement.

Family understanding plays a major role in helping individuals maintain motivation and confidence.

Living with ADHD and Dyslexia

Having both ADHD and dyslexia may make certain aspects of learning more complex, but it also brings unique strengths. Individuals often develop strong creative thinking, problem-solving, and verbal communication skills.

With early intervention and the right strategies, learners can achieve success in academics, work, and life.

At Mind Mechanics, our goal is to help each individual build confidence, focus, and clarity in their learning journey.

Next Steps

If you or your child show signs of both ADHD and dyslexia:

  • Take note of recurring patterns of difficulty.

  • Speak with educators or a psychologist about your observations.

  • Arrange a professional screening to identify both conditions.

  • Explore structured programmes designed for focus and literacy development.

Still unsure where to start?
👉 Visit our FAQs or Contact Us to schedule a free consultation.

You can also explore our full range of Programmes to find the best fit for your needs.

Citations