What Are Dyslexia and ADHD?

Dyslexia is a learning difference that primarily affects reading, spelling, and phonological processing. Children with dyslexia may struggle to decode words, match letters to sounds, and read fluently despite having average or above-average intelligence.

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) affects attention, concentration, impulsivity, and sometimes hyperactivity. It can make it difficult for children to stay focused, follow instructions, or complete tasks without becoming distracted.

Although they’re different conditions, dyslexia and ADHD often occur together. Research suggests that around 30–50% of children with dyslexia also meet criteria for ADHD. Learn more about ADHD from CHADD or explore resources on dyslexia from AUSPELD.

Signs of Co-occurring Dyslexia and ADHD

Children with both conditions might show a mix of symptoms that cross over, such as:

• Skipping words or lines while reading
• Trouble staying seated or on-task during reading and writing
• Reversing letters or writing words out of order
• Poor spelling and handwriting
• Struggling to follow multi-step instructions
• Losing track of what they’re reading or forgetting tasks

These challenges can lead to frustration, low self-esteem, and emotional overwhelm, especially when children feel like they’re trying hard but still falling behind.

How Dyslexia and ADHD Affect Learning

When ADHD and dyslexia co-occur, the difficulties are more than just the sum of each condition. For example:

• A child with dyslexia might read slowly and struggle to sound out words — but if they also have ADHD, they might find it hard to persist or stay focused long enough to decode them.
• ADHD-related working memory issues can make it harder to remember phonics rules, word patterns, or teacher instructions.
• Both conditions can cause anxiety around reading aloud or completing written work in front of others.

It’s also important to note that while symptoms may overlap, ADHD and dyslexia are distinct conditions with different neurological profiles. For example, children with dyslexia may show mild executive functioning challenges due to the cognitive demands of decoding and reading fluency. Meanwhile, children with ADHD may make reading errors not due to decoding difficulties, but because of zoning out, rushing, or losing focus. Recognising these nuances is key to providing the right support.

Understanding this interplay helps educators and families respond with greater empathy and precision.

Diagnosing Dyslexia and ADHD Together

A comprehensive assessment by a psychologist is important to identify both conditions accurately. At aMAZEin’ Minds Psychology, our educational and developmental psychologists can assess your child’s cognitive, academic, and attention profiles to tease apart whether struggles are due to dyslexia, ADHD, or both.

We use evidence-based tools and a strengths-focused approach to ensure each child’s unique learning profile is understood. You can read more about our child ADHD assessments and dyslexia assessments on our website.

Support Strategies for Home and School

Children with co-occurring learning needs benefit from consistent, structured supports such as:

• Breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps
• Using visual schedules and checklists
• Providing extra time for reading and writing tasks
• Incorporating multisensory learning (e.g. movement, colour, sound)
• Using assistive technology (e.g. text-to-speech tools)
• Reducing distractions in the learning environment
• Encouraging regular breaks and physical activity

A team approach — involving parents, teachers, and therapists — can make a big difference in building confidence and academic success.

Frequently Asked Questions ❓

📘 Can dyslexia look like ADHD?
Yes. Some children with dyslexia may appear inattentive, distracted, or disorganised because of the mental effort required to decode text. However, this is typically related to learning frustration rather than a core attention issue.

📖 Can ADHD cause reading difficulties?
Absolutely. Children with ADHD may struggle to stay focused during reading tasks, skip lines, make careless mistakes, or have difficulty remembering what they’ve read — even if they don’t have dyslexia.

🧠 How can I tell if my child has both conditions?
If your child shows signs of both attention difficulties and persistent reading challenges, a comprehensive assessment can clarify what’s going on. It’s not uncommon for one condition to be identified first and the other missed until later.

📚 Will tutoring help if my child has both ADHD and dyslexia?
Tutoring can help, but it’s most effective when paired with strategies to support focus, memory, and emotional regulation. A psychologist can help develop an integrated support plan that goes beyond tutoring alone.

🌟 Are there strengths that come with these diagnoses?
Yes! Many children with ADHD or dyslexia — or both — are creative, curious, empathetic, and resilient. Understanding their unique learning style is the key to unlocking these strengths.

Getting Help: Book an Assessment

If your child is struggling with attention, reading, or both, a formal assessment can be the first step toward clarity and support.

Contact us to learn more about our ADHD and dyslexia assessments for children and teens:

📞 (03) 7046 4528
✉️ info@amazeinminds.com.au
🌐 Contact us online

Our Mount Waverley clinic welcomes families from Glen Waverley, Burwood, Chadstone, Ashwood, Notting Hill, and Oakleigh. Telehealth appointments are also available across Australia.