Are Dyslexia and ADHD Related? What Parents Need to Know

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Are dyslexia and ADHD related?

Yes. Dyslexia and ADHD are related because they often occur together, but one does not directly cause the other. The International Dyslexia Association explains that ADHD and dyslexia are separate conditions that can coexist, and research estimates that around 30% of individuals with one condition may also have the other.

In simple terms: a child can have dyslexia, ADHD, or both.

What is dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that affects reading and spelling. The International Dyslexia Association describes dyslexia as involving difficulties with accurate or fluent word reading and spelling, even when a child has received instruction that works for many peers.

A child with dyslexia may struggle with:

Sounding out words
Reading fluently
Spelling
Remembering sight words
Reading aloud
Getting thoughts onto paper

Dyslexia is not a sign of low intelligence. Many children with dyslexia are bright, creative, verbal, and capable—but reading may take much more effort.

To learn more about Dyslexia check out the new definition and what it is.

What is ADHD?

ADHD stands for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. According to the CDC, children with ADHD may have difficulty paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors, or managing high activity levels.

ADHD can affect:

Focus
Impulse control
Organization
Task completion
Emotional regulation
Working memory
Time management

Not every child with ADHD is hyperactive. Some children are quiet but inattentive, forgetful, easily distracted, or mentally exhausted by tasks that require sustained focus.

Why do dyslexia and ADHD often occur together?

Researchers are still studying exactly why dyslexia and ADHD overlap, but studies suggest there may be shared genetic, cognitive, and neurodevelopmental factors. A 2025 study found that ADHD symptoms, reading, spelling, and math skills can be correlated, with possible shared genetic and environmental influences.

That means parents should not assume a child is “just lazy,” “not trying,” or “being difficult.” Sometimes the child’s brain is working very hard, but reading, focus, memory, and organization are all competing at once.

How dyslexia and ADHD can look similar

Dyslexia and ADHD can both make schoolwork look messy or inconsistent.

A child may:

Avoid reading
Rush through assignments
Guess at words
Forget directions
Lose their place while reading
Melt down during writing
Take a long time to finish work
Seem capable one day and completely stuck the next

This overlap can be confusing for parents, especially homeschool families. A child may look like they are not paying attention when the real issue is that reading is too hard. Or they may look like they “can’t read,” when attention and working memory are making the task fall apart.

Key difference between dyslexia and ADHD

Dyslexia is primarily a reading and language-based learning difference. ADHD is primarily an attention, impulse control, and executive functioning difference.

Area	Dyslexia	ADHD
Main challenge	Reading, spelling, decoding	Attention, impulse control, organization
Reading impact	Trouble sounding out and recognizing words	Trouble sustaining focus while reading
Writing impact	Spelling, sentence structure, word retrieval	Planning, starting, finishing, editing
Work habits	May avoid reading because it is hard	May avoid tasks that require long focus
Support needed	Structured literacy instruction	Executive function and attention support

Why executive function matters

Executive functions are the brain skills that help a child plan, start, organize, remember, control emotions, and finish tasks.

For children with ADHD, executive function challenges are common. Research has linked ADHD with weaknesses in areas such as working memory and response inhibition.

For a child with dyslexia and ADHD, this can mean:

They forget the sound you just practiced.
They know the answer but cannot organize it.
They start reading and lose their place.
They understand the story when it is read aloud but struggle to decode it independently.
They become overwhelmed before the lesson really begins.

This is why support needs to address both reading skills and executive function skills.

What this looks like in homeschooling

For homeschool families, dyslexia and ADHD can show up in everyday lessons.

You may notice:

Reading lessons take much longer than expected.
Your child resists copywork or spelling.
They forget instructions seconds after hearing them.
They need frequent breaks.
They can explain big ideas out loud but struggle to write them.
They become emotional during reading or writing.
You wonder whether the issue is attitude, attention, or ability.

Often, it is not just one thing. A child may need explicit reading instruction, shorter lessons, movement breaks, visual supports, and help learning how to manage tasks step by step.

Can ADHD cause dyslexia?

No. ADHD does not cause dyslexia. The International Dyslexia Association explains that ADHD and dyslexia can coexist, but they do not cause each other.

However, ADHD can make reading struggles harder to manage because attention, working memory, and persistence are all needed during reading.

Can dyslexia cause ADHD?

No. Dyslexia does not cause ADHD.

But a child with dyslexia may look inattentive, frustrated, or avoidant during reading because the task is genuinely difficult. This is one reason a thorough evaluation is important.

When should parents seek an evaluation?

Parents should consider an evaluation when reading struggles, attention problems, or school frustration continue despite consistent instruction and support.

Signs to watch for include:

Ongoing trouble sounding out words
Slow, labored reading
Frequent spelling struggles
Avoidance of reading or writing
Difficulty following multi-step directions
Trouble finishing assignments
Frequent emotional outbursts during schoolwork
A family history of dyslexia, ADHD, or learning challenges

A good evaluation can help parents understand whether the child has dyslexia, ADHD, both, or another learning need.

How parents can support a child with dyslexia and ADHD

Children with dyslexia and ADHD need support that is structured, compassionate, and consistent.

Helpful strategies include:

Use structured literacy instruction.
Keep lessons short and focused.
Give one direction at a time.
Use visual schedules or checklists.
Allow movement breaks.
Practice reading skills in small steps.
Reduce unnecessary copying.
Use audiobooks when appropriate.
Celebrate effort, not just accuracy.
Teach organization as a skill, not a character trait.

Most importantly, remind your child that struggling with reading or attention does not mean they are lazy or unintelligent.

A personal note from Joanne Kaminski Founder of Bright Idea Reading Tutoring

When I first began teaching, I honestly did not understand the students in my classroom who struggled with attention, behavior, and reading. Like many first-year teachers, I saw children acting out, but I did not yet understand what was underneath the behavior.

I was often told that children would rather be seen as the “bad kid” than the “dumb kid.” Over time, I began to see how true that could be for students who were bright but overwhelmed.

I have now worked with students with dyslexia and ADHD for 16 years, since 2010, in addition to my 10 years in the school system as a reading specialist. As I continued learning about dyslexia, I began noticing how often ADHD and dyslexia appeared together.

That curiosity pushed me to keep researching, learning, and growing. I am a member of the International Dyslexia Association and the International Literacy Association, and I continue to learn from executive function coaches who specialize in ADHD. I also host a bi-annual event called IMPACT, where tutors learn from 15–20 speakers so we can better meet students where they are.

The more I learn, the more I believe this: when we understand what is really happening, we can stop blaming the child and start building the right support.

FAQ: Dyslexia and ADHD

Are dyslexia and ADHD related?

Yes. Dyslexia and ADHD are related because they often occur together, but they are different conditions.Yes. Dyslexia and ADHD are related because they often occur together, but they are different conditions.

What percentage of children with dyslexia also have ADHD?

Estimates vary, but research commonly places the overlap around 30%.

Is my child lazy if they avoid reading?

Usually, no. Avoidance often means the task feels too hard, too overwhelming, or too frustrating.

Can a child be gifted and still have dyslexia or ADHD?

Yes. Dyslexia and ADHD can occur in children with average, above-average, or gifted intelligence.

What kind of tutoring helps dyslexia and ADHD?

Many students benefit from structured literacy instruction combined with executive function support, short lessons, repetition, encouragement, and clear routines.

Next Steps

If your child struggles with reading, attention, or both, you do not have to figure it out alone. Bright Idea Reading Tutoring serves students in person in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, and online across the United States and around the world.

Visit www.theonlinereadingtutor.com to learn more about reading support for students with dyslexia, ADHD, and related learning challenges.

About the Author, Joanne Kaminski

Bright Idea Reading Tutoring supports students with dyslexia, ADHD, and reading challenges through personalized reading instruction. With 16 years of direct experience working with students with dyslexia and ADHD, plus 10 years in the school system as a reading specialist, the founder brings both professional training and real classroom insight to her work.

In addition to working with students with dyslexia and ADHD for more than 16 years, Joanne is specially trained to administer the Test of Dyslexia to help families determine whether dyslexia may be contributing to their child's reading challenges. Early identification can provide valuable insights and help parents make informed decisions about the most appropriate support and instruction for their child.

She is a member of the International Dyslexia Association and the International Literacy Association and continues to study dyslexia, ADHD, executive functioning, and evidence-based reading instruction. She also hosts IMPACT, a bi-annual learning event for tutors featuring 15–20 speakers focused on helping educators better serve students.

Bright Idea Reading Tutoring serves students in person in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, and online throughout the United States and internationally.

References and Further Reading

The following resources provide additional research and information about dyslexia, ADHD, executive functioning, and supporting children with learning differences.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “About Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).” CDC.https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/about/index.html

International Dyslexia Association. “Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Dyslexia.” International Dyslexia Association.https://dyslexiaida.org/attention-deficithyperactivity-disorder-adhd-and-dyslexia/

International Dyslexia Association. “Definition of Dyslexia.” International Dyslexia Association.https://dyslexiaida.org/definition-of-dyslexia/

McGrath, L. M., et al. “Shared Etiology of ADHD Symptoms and Dyslexia.” Research examining the relationship and overlap between ADHD and reading difficulties. Molecular Psychiatry and related peer-reviewed research available through PubMed Central.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6873566/

National Center for Biotechnology Information. “Executive Functioning and ADHD.” PubMed Central. Research discussing working memory, inhibition, and other executive function challenges associated with ADHD.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4425416/

National Institute of Mental Health. “Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.” National Institute of Mental Health.https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd

U.S. Department of Education. “Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).” Information about special education services, evaluations, eligibility, and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).https://sites.ed.gov/idea/

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights. “Protecting Students With Disabilities.” Information about Section 504 protections and accommodations for eligible students.https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/civil-rights-laws/protecting-students-with-disabilities