Your child is bright, full of energy, and eager to learn. But lately, school has felt like an uphill battle. Reading assignments take twice as long, simple instructions seem to get lost in the shuffle, and writing exercises are more frustrating than they should be. At first, you wonder if it’s just a bad week. Then, a bad month. But now, teachers are mentioning learning challenges, and you start hearing two words over and over: ADHD and Dyslexia.

Both ADHD and dyslexia are common neurodevelopmental conditions that affect learning. And while they are distinct disorders, they frequently overlap, making it hard to pinpoint what’s actually going on. It’s confusing, stressful, and frustrating not just for your child but for you, too.

So how do you tell the difference? How do these conditions impact learning? And most importantly, what can you do to help?

What Is ADHD?

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is best known for its impact on focus, impulse control, and organization. Kids (and adults) with ADHD often struggle with:

• Inattention: Difficulty staying on task, following instructions, or remembering details.
• Hyperactivity: Feeling restless, fidgeting, or constantly needing to move.
• Impulsivity:  Acting before thinking, interrupting, or struggling with self-regulation.

For students, ADHD can make everyday schoolwork exhausting. They may read a passage but miss the meaning because their brain skips ahead. They might start a writing assignment but never finish because another idea grabs their attention. Math problems? They know how to do them but misplace their work, forget the steps, or get overwhelmed by multi-step instructions.

What Is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that affects how the brain processes written words. It is not about intelligence; many brilliant thinkers have dyslexia. But it does impact skills like:

• Reading fluency: Slow or choppy reading, struggling to recognize words on sight.
• Spelling and writing: Frequent spelling errors, difficulty forming sentences.
• Phonological processing: Trouble connecting letters to sounds, making it harder to decode new words.

A student with dyslexia may avoid reading altogether because it feels too difficult. They may struggle with misreading words (reading “pat” instead of “tap”), making writing full of errors, or remembering how words should look.

How ADHD and Dyslexia Overlap

ADHD and dyslexia are different conditions, but they have surprising similarities. In fact, research suggests that 25–40% of individuals with dyslexia also have ADHD. That’s because both conditions affect executive function our brain’s ability to plan, organize, and focus on tasks.

Common overlaps include:

• Reading struggles: A child with ADHD may skip words or paragraphs because they’re distracted, while a child with dyslexia misreads words because of phonological difficulties.
• Messy writing: ADHD makes it hard to organize thoughts, while dyslexia makes spelling and grammar difficult.
• Forgetfulness: ADHD kids lose assignments; dyslexic kids forget spelling patterns and word structures.

But here’s a key difference: Dyslexia is a problem with language processing. ADHD is a problem with attention and impulse control.

How ADHD and Dyslexia Are Diagnosed

Because ADHD and dyslexia share some symptoms, getting the right diagnosis is essential. Here’s how professionals distinguish between them:

• ADHD is diagnosed by a psychologist, psychiatrist, or neurologist using behavioral assessments and standardized questionnaires.
• Dyslexia is diagnosed by educational psychologists or reading specialists using specialized tests that measure reading, spelling, and phonological awareness.

Since schools don’t always test for dyslexia, many children go undiagnosed, especially if ADHD symptoms mask their reading struggles. That’s why it’s important to push for comprehensive testing if you suspect both conditions.

Managing ADHD and Dyslexia: Practical Strategies

If your child has ADHD, dyslexia, or both, the good news is that targeted interventions can help.

For ADHD:

1. Use timers and checklists: Break down big assignments into smaller steps with clear deadlines.
2. Create structure and routine:  Predictability helps with time management and organization.
3. Consider behavioral therapy: Working with an ADHD coach or therapist can improve focus and impulse control.
4. Explore medication options:  Stimulant and non-stimulant medications can help some kids manage ADHD symptoms.

For Dyslexia:

1. Try multisensory learning: Programs like Orton-Gillingham use touch, sound, and movement to reinforce reading skills.
2. Use assistive technology: Audiobooks, speech-to-text apps, and dyslexia-friendly fonts can make reading easier.
3. Provide extra time: Kids with dyslexia benefit from extended test time and accommodations for reading-heavy assignments.
4. Encourage reading in a low-pressure environment: Graphic novels, audiobooks, or even video game subtitles can boost reading confidence.

For Both ADHD and Dyslexia:

• Build self-esteem: Learning differences don’t mean a child isn’t smart. Remind them of their strengths: creativity, problem-solving, and resilience.
• Foster a growth mindset: Struggles in school don’t define a student’s future. Celebrate effort, not just results.
• Get school support: Ask about Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 Plans for classroom accommodations.

The Bottom Line: Supporting Kids with ADHD and Dyslexia

If your child has ADHD, dyslexia, or both, you’re not alone. These conditions don’t mean your child isn’t capable; they just mean they learn differently. The key is early intervention, strong support systems, and self-advocacy.

At Grayson Executive Learning, we understand how overwhelming this journey can be. That’s why we provide expert guidance, personalized learning strategies, and executive function coaching to help students thrive. Whether it’s improving reading skills, boosting organization, or developing self-confidence, we’re here to help.

Want to learn more? Contact us today to explore customized learning solutions for your child.

How Can GEL Help?

Grayson Executive Learning (GEL) is a boutique Academic and ADHD\Executive Function Coaching practice that specializes in providing premium one-on-one academic coaching services to high school and college students with ADHD and executive function difficulties.

Click here to learn how we can help your student truly reach their academic potential while developing critical life and independence skills.

We look forward to serving you!