Dyslexia And ADHD: Coping With A Dual Diagnosis

Medically reviewed by April Justice
Updated February 22, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Dyslexia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two separate conditions. Dyslexia is a learning disability, and 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

Developmental dyslexia is a learning disability that’s specifically related to language. An individual with this condition typically has difficulties with reading and may also have trouble with spelling, writing, and correctly pronouncing words out loud. It’s a life-long condition that’s often first noticed in children in elementary school. Support services such as tutoring or special accommodations may help someone with dyslexia succeed in a school setting, overcome negative feedback, and develop positive feelings about their learning abilities. 

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

  • A lack of fluency with oral speech

  • 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 can have a negative impact on 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?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that typically affects attention and/or activity levels. An individual with ADHD may exhibit issues with inattention, hyperactive behaviors, or a combination of the two. The most frequent emotional symptom of ADHD is trouble concentrating, 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 only inattention, only 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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When dyslexia and ADHD occur together

It’s estimated that around 30% of those with dyslexia also have ADHD.

These two conditions don’t cause each other, but it is possible for the symptoms of one to exacerbate the symptoms of the other. For instance, 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. These co-occurring conditions can impact a child’s school experience, potentially leading to lower self-esteem, dyslexia anxiety, or other painful feelings as youngsters reach adolescence.

Because of this potential symptom overlap, one condition can sometimes be mistaken for the other at first—especially in children. Finally, it’s not uncommon for people with dyslexia and/or ADHD—particularly when untreated—to have trouble succeeding in school or at work because of their symptoms, which can lead to low self-esteem and even child anxiety and/or depression. Children and adolescents who are depressed tend to keep their intense feelings to themselves. As a result, parents misinterpret those powerful and terrifying emotions. That’s why seeking support for symptoms and helping children develop a positive self-image 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 who can help them identify strategies to improve their daily functioning. In contrast, there are medications available to help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Medication for ADHD can be significantly helpful to some people but makes very little difference to others, so it’s usually important to work closely with a qualified healthcare provider 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. In addition, therapy can be beneficial to someone experiencing dyslexia and/or ADHD. 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.

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How online therapy can help from a very 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. Or, 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. For client reviews of BetterHelp counselors, see below.

Counselor reviews

“I have been working with Carolyn for 6 months now, and have tremendously benefited from her counseling as I support my daughter for Anorexia. Anorexia is a very complex mind-body illness and the family can play a very important role in the recovery by educating ourselves and understanding her behavior. This allows me to use correct words with her, and watch by own behavior with her so I am supporting her in a healthy manner, and not enabling her illness further. Additionally, my own stress has been very difficult as I watch my sweet daughter suffer, so I had been in need of finding coping skills for myself. Carolyn's expertise, her very compassionate but clear guidelines and feedback to me have made be more confident and capable in dealing with this difficult illness. I am finding a lot of strength from her therapy, and most importantly I am handling my daughter better and can see the difference in my interactions with her. I am thankful to Carolyn for coming into my life when I needed someone to guide me through this. In addition to our weekly video chats, I am able to send her quick texts on the BetterHelp app if an issue arises and I need her thoughts, and Carolyn replies back very quickly with more tips to help me. I have recommended BetterHelp to friends as to a great therapist like Carolyn would not have been possible for me without this platform... while I also do this from the convenience of my time and home. Thank you Carolyn, and thank you BetterHelp for being here for me!”

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Takeaway

Dyslexia and ADHD are separate conditions, 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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