Dyslexia And ADHD: Coping With A Dual Diagnosis

Medically reviewed by April Justice, LICSW
Updated October 9, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Dyslexia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two separate conditions, each presenting unique challenges, such as spelling difficulties for people with dyslexia and impulse control issues in individuals with ADHD. Dyslexia is a learning disability, while ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Though they’re distinct from each other and have different symptoms, it’s not uncommon that ADHD and dyslexia occur simultaneously. Below, we’ll take a closer look at dyslexia and ADHD in terms of similarities, symptom overlap, and treatment options.

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Dyslexia: A common learning disability

The International Dyslexia Association defines dyslexia as a language-based learning disability. Phonemic awareness, or the ability to hear and manipulate individual sounds in words, is a key skill that individuals with dyslexia may struggle with. As a result, an individual with dyslexia problems may have trouble with spelling, writing, and correctly pronouncing words out loud. Dyslexia is the most common learning disability, affecting 20% of the population – itmakes up 80% of all people with a diagnosed learning disability.

It’s a life-long condition that’s often first noticed in children in elementary school. However, it can affect anyone, including people with above-average intelligence. Support services such as tutoring or special accommodations may help dyslexic students succeed in school, overcome negative feedback, and develop positive feelings about their learning abilities. 

Dyslexia symptoms

Dyslexia affects people differently based on the age of the individual, but a few general symptoms can include:

  • Slow to acquire reading skills in school relative to typical learners

  • Poor spelling

  • Poor handwriting

  • A dislike of and/or frustration with reading-related tasks

  • Trouble or a dislike of reading aloud 

  • Difficulty remembering names of people and places

  • Difficulty retrieving words; frequent “it was on the tip of my tongue” moments

  • Low self-esteem or negative self-image as a result of these difficulties

These symptoms may hurt a child’s development and self-esteem, causing anxiety and frustration around learning. Sometimes, that frustration produces anger, and children may begin to act aggressively. 

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that typically affects attention and/or activity levels. People with ADHD may experience challenges with inattention, hyperactive behaviors, or a combination of the two. 

ADHD symptoms

The most frequent ADHD symptoms are difficulties with concentrating and executive functioning, but inattention difficulties may also manifest as:

  • Trouble staying focused on a task

  • Trouble managing time

  • Being easily distracted

  • Frequently misplacing items

The hyperactive type may manifest as:

  • Fidgeting or squirming; difficulty sitting still

  • Always “on the go”

  • Excessive talking and/or talking out of turn

  • Difficulty waiting their turn; tendency to take over tasks from others

Again, an individual may experience symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, or a combination of both. Like dyslexia, ADHD is also commonly diagnosed at a young age, but it may persist into adulthood as well. It often co-occurs with other conditions, such as learning disabilities like dyslexia or anxiety disorders.

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Experiencing both ADHD and dyslexia 

It’s estimated that around 30% of those with dyslexia also have ADHD. In contrast, about half of those who live with ADHD also experience reading disabilities like dyslexia. 

When it comes to understanding ADHD and dyslexia, it's important to recognize that these conditions can be diagnosed differently. Identifying risk factors is key in detecting individuals who may have both ADHD and dyslexia. For example, having a dyslexic parent can increase the chances of a child having either ADHD or dyslexia. An ADHD and dyslexia evaluation can be helpful for the early detection of these conditions. 

These two conditions don’t cause each other, but it is possible for them to have some of the same symptoms, such as problems with attention, working memory, and reading comprehension. In some cases, the symptoms of one condition can worsen those of the other. A person with dyslexia may need more time and focus to read a piece of text, and inattention or hyperactivity symptoms of ADHD can make that more difficult in stressful situations. 

People with ADHD may also become easily distracted and overlook details, which can make completing a task that dyslexia already makes challenging become even more so. Dyslexic children with ADHD, in particular, may experience challenges that negatively affect their school experience, potentially leading to lower self-esteem, dyslexia anxiety, or other painful feelings as they reach adolescence.

In some cases, children and adolescents who are depressed with either ADHD or dyslexia tend to keep intense feelings to themselves. As a result, parents misinterpret those powerful and terrifying emotions. Therefore, helping them seek early intervention and support for symptoms can be crucial.

Treatment options for ADHD, dyslexia, and anxiety

There’s currently no medication that can treat or cure dyslexia. Instead, children or adults with this condition may work with a specialist, such as a clinical psychologist trained in neurobehavioral disorders, who can help them identify strategies to improve daily functioning. 

In addition, there are medications available to help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Medication for ADHD may be helpful to some people but makes very little difference to others, so it’s usually important to work closely with a qualified healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment options to find out what might be best for you or your child. 

There are also a variety of accommodations that someone with either condition may be able to request at school and/or work that can make it easier for them to accomplish tasks. For example, an educational psychologist may be available who can provide therapy and support someone experiencing dyslexia and/or ADHD. They may be able to provide a helpful report that helps individuals become fluent readers and improve their learning strategies.

The International Dyslexia Association provides valuable information and support for dyslexic writers and readers beyond medication and therapy. Other organizations may provide additional resources to help those with dyslexia or ADHD thrive and succeed.

Research suggests that certain therapy modalities—such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)—may help those with ADHD in particular manage their symptoms. This and other types of general talk therapy may also be able to help an individual manage any distress they experience as a result of their diagnosis and rebuild their self-esteem if their symptoms and related challenges have negatively affected it. If you’re a parent who is having trouble adjusting to or coping with your child’s diagnosis of dyslexia and/or ADHD or related challenges, a therapist can also provide a safe space where you can express and process these very powerful feelings.

How online therapy can help from a young age

If you’re interested in seeking the support of a therapist to help you cope with a diagnosis or symptoms of a condition that affects your or your child’s mental health, you have options. Those who would feel more comfortable meeting with a mental health care provider in person can search for one in their local area. Alternatively, those who would find it more convenient to meet with a provider virtually from the comfort of home can consider online therapy since research suggests that both formats can offer similar benefits. 

With a virtual therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched with a licensed therapist who you can meet with via phone, video call, and/or in-app messaging to address the challenges you may be facing and help you cultivate positive feelings. Online therapy may also be more cost-effective than in-person sessions, meaning that it can be a good option for those facing financial constraints as well. 

"Edyta is extremely professional in her manner, yet manages to balance her professionalism with a genuine compassion that can be felt in sessions with her. I have found Edyta to be very supportive and understanding and I always feel heard and understood by her. Edyta has been helping me to understand my late ADHD diagnosis as well as some other personal issues. In my experience, Edyta uses a variety of methods to skillfully find ways to help you overcome the issues that you bring to her. Edyta is very clear with you from the start on what to expect from the sessions with her and follows strict safety measures with you that go even above the platforms, which I believe shows her level of personal professionalism."
— BetterHelp member’s review of their therapist

Takeaway

Dyslexia and ADHD are different disorders, but it’s not uncommon for them to co-occur in the same individual, and symptoms of the two conditions often have some overlap. If you’re experiencing signs of a mental health condition, learning disability, or related challenge, speaking with a doctor, therapist, or specialist may be a helpful first step.

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