Many families notice that their dyslexic child also shows signs of ADHD, or that their ADHD child struggles with reading, spelling, and memory. Exploring the connection between dyslexia and ADHD, and why these profiles often overlap, can help parents support a child who experiences both. Discover what the link looks like day to day, how it affects learning, and the most effective strategies available to help your child feel confident, capable, and understood.
Key Takeaways
- Dyslexia and ADHD can occur together because both profiles affect how the brain processes information.
- A dyslexic ADHD child may struggle with reading, spelling, attention, working memory, and organisation.
- Early identification helps children access structured, multisensory support that reduces frustration and boosts confidence.
- Assistive technology can help a dyslexic ADHD child stay focused, read more easily, and express their ideas without heightened anxiety.
- Emotional support is essential; children thrive when adults understand their strengths, challenges, and learning profile.
Why Do Dyslexia and ADHD Often Occur Together?
According to The International Dyslexia Association, about 30% of those with dyslexia also have coexisting ADHD. Dyslexia and ADHD might overlap because both profiles affect how the brain manages language, attention, and working memory. A dyslexic ADHD child may find reading and spelling challenging while also struggling to stay focused long enough to practise these skills. The connection is neurological rather than behavioural, and many children show signs of both areas of difficulty. This combination can make learning feel unpredictable at times and understandably exhausting for families.
- Shared cognitive differences - Both profiles affect working memory, processing speed, and attention, making reading and writing more challenging.
- Overlapping signs - A dyslexic ADHD child may lose their place when reading, forget instructions, or rush tasks without fully processing them.
- Impact on learning - Difficulties with focus and language processing can combine, making literacy tasks feel overpowering.
Understanding the neurological link helps adults respond with patience and structure. When parents recognise that dyslexia and ADHD often coexist, they can support their child with strategies that reduce frustration and build confidence.
The ADHD Centre shares a helpful article exploring the “hidden links” between dyslexia, dyspraxia, and ADHD, explaining why these profiles often appear together and how they can shape a child’s learning experience. It’s a reassuring read for families who are noticing overlapping signs and want to understand their child’s profile more clearly.
Dr Helen Ross, founder of SEND support organisation Helen’s Place, is a highly respected Specific Learning Difficulties and SEND expert, who also has dyslexia and ADHD. She brings thoughtful, evidence‑based insights into how dyslexia and ADHD interact, and how families can support children with both profiles.
Acknowledging the statistic that 30% of children with dyslexia also had ADHD, she explains: “Dyslexic children have problems with processing speech, language and sounds, and ADHD children have problems with their executive function skills. Because processing so much information is difficult, everything becomes exacerbated. It’s a double whammy.”
Given how many SEND children share this profile, it’s essential to understand how it affects them and how we can support them to move forward with their challenges. Dr Ross advises:
“A child may need an assessment to fully understand themselves. It can be very empowering to go through this process, although it can be very expensive. Sometimes, in certain situations, LAs (Local Authorities) may be able to diagnose it.”
Young people with a dyslexia and ADHD profile often need specific supports in school to reduce anxiety and improve focus: “It is important for children with this profile to have movement strategies that are discreet, so they don’t interrupt other children and also so that their needs are not highlighted in class.”
In terms of how to help children manage the impact of their symptoms, Dr Ross stresses that teachers and parents should give them time: “Instead of overwhelming a child with a long verbal list of tasks, discuss the steps first and then provide them as simple bullet points. Use assistive technology they can speak into, so they don’t have to remember everything. Also, their use of a computer is good. Keep a mindset of giving time and grace and being patient to help them through the moments when they find things difficult.
“Neuroscience is still trying to understand the link between dyslexia and ADHD. We do think that the high symptom overlap relates to the prefrontal cortex and amygdala.” Dr Ross acknowledges the work of brain scientist Tim Conway PhD, and neurodiversity scholar Professor Amanda Kirby who both offer clear, accessible research that helps families make sense of why children may show more than one SEND profile. Dr Kirby’s YouTube video about overlapping profiles is especially reassuring for parents, offering guidance on how to navigate overlapping needs.
Understanding the neuroscience can help families see why their child’s challenges sometimes feel so intense and interconnected. For many parents, this knowledge brings comfort, allowing them to move forward with greater confidence.
How Does the Dyslexia ADHD Link Affect Daily Learning?
A dyslexic ADHD child may experience fluctuating difficulties with reading, spelling, organisation, and attention; these on-off shifts can feel confusing for families. Because daily learning depends on how well a child can focus, remember information, and manage language tasks, these areas can vary from moment to moment. When dyslexia and ADHD overlap, this inconsistency becomes even more noticeable, making some days feel manageable and others unexpectedly challenging.
- Inconsistent performance - A child may read a word correctly one day and struggle with it the next due to attention and memory differences.
- Organisation challenges - ADHD can make sequencing and planning difficult, which intensifies dyslexic difficulties with remembering steps or instructions.
- Emotional impact - Feeling “behind” peers can affect confidence, especially when challenges fluctuate.
Daily learning becomes easier when adults understand these patterns and respond with structure, calm routines, and gentle encouragement. This helps the child feel safe, capable, and ready to learn.
For families seeking a healthy‑informed explanation of how neurodivergent profiles connect, My Patient Advice offers a gentle, easy‑to‑understand article exploring the relationship between ADHD, autism, and dyslexia.
It’s a reassuring read for parents who want to understand the bigger picture behind their child’s learning and behaviour.
What Strategies Help a Dyslexic ADHD Child Thrive?
A dyslexic ADHD child benefits from structured, multisensory teaching that supports reading, spelling, memory, and focus. Home strategies can make learning feel more relaxed. Children thrive when learning is hands‑on, broken into small steps, and supported by tools that reduce cognitive load.
- Multisensory learning - Using sight, sound, movement, and touch strengthens literacy skills and keeps attention engaged.
- Assistive technology - Tools like text‑to‑speech, audiobooks, and coloured overlays reduce frustration and support independence.
- Low‑demand approaches - Calm, predictable routines help ADHD children regulate attention and help dyslexic children feel safe practising literacy skills.
When learning becomes gentle, structured, and multisensory, children feel more in control. These approaches help a dyslexic ADHD child build confidence, independence, and a love of learning.
Help Your Dyslexic ADHD Child Thrive
If you’re ready to support your dyslexic ADHD child with calm, structured, and confidence‑building strategies, SENsational Tutors is here to help. Our specialist tutors use low‑demand, child‑centred approaches that reduce anxiety and make learning feel safe, enjoyable, and achievable. We focus on building skills gently, celebrating every step of progress, and helping children rediscover their curiosity and love of learning. Many of our tutors will be able to help your child with their dyslexia ADHD profile.
You can book a free consultation call to explore personalised support or browse our website to learn how our tutors help dyslexic ADHD learners thrive academically and emotionally. If you’d like to learn more about our low‑demand tutoring services, please book a free consultation call with our experienced team today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child has both dyslexia and ADHD?
A dyslexic ADHD child may show signs such as difficulty reading, spelling, remembering instructions, staying focused, or organising tasks. If you notice fluctuating performance, frequent frustration, or avoidance of literacy tasks, it may be worth requesting a screening. Schools can assess for both profiles, or you can seek private support. Early identification helps children access structured, multisensory intervention.
Does having both dyslexia and ADHD make learning harder?
The combination can intensify challenges with reading, spelling, attention, and memory. A dyslexic ADHD child may struggle to stay focused long enough to practise literacy skills or may forget steps in a task. However, with structured teaching, multisensory methods, and emotional support, children can make excellent progress.
What strategies help most at home?
Break tasks into small steps, use multisensory methods, and keep routines predictable. Reading aloud together, using audiobooks, and practising spelling through movement can help. Calm, low‑demand environments reduce anxiety and help children stay engaged.
Should I tell my child they have dyslexia and ADHD?
Yes - when explained positively, these profiles become a source of understanding rather than fear. Many children feel relieved when they learn why reading, writing, or focusing feel difficult. You can explain that dyslexia and ADHD are simply different ways of learning, and that many successful people share these profiles.
What school support helps a dyslexic ADHD child?
Structured literacy intervention, movement breaks, visual timetables, and assistive technology can make learning more accessible. Teachers can offer chunked instructions, extra processing time, and predictable routines. A supportive SEND team can help your child feel understood and valued.
Can dyslexia and ADHD improve over time?
Both profiles are lifelong, but children can learn strategies that make daily learning easier. With consistent support, a dyslexic ADHD child can strengthen reading and writing skills, improve focus, and build confidence. Many children thrive when given the right tools and encouragement.
