ADHD and Dyslexia | Emotional Dysregulation in Children | E189

ADHD and Dyslexia: Supporting Reading and Focus in ChildrenEstimated Reading Time: 5–6 minutesIf your child struggles with reading, attention, or completing tasks, you’re not imagining it. Many children are misdiagnosed because ADHD and dyslexia often overlap. In this episode, Dr. Roseann explains how to identify dyslexia, differentiate it from ADHD, and provide brain-based supports that improve reading, focus, and emotional regulation.In this episode, you’ll learn:How ADHD and dyslexia affect attention, cognitive load, and learningWhy proper assessment is essential for accurate diagnosisEffective structured, multisensory reading programsBrain-based strategies to support ADHD and Emotional DysregulationHow to tell ADHD from dyslexiaDyslexia is a language-based processing challenge, while ADHD affects attention and executive functioning. Signs that dyslexia is impacting focus include:Difficulty decoding words despite strong verbal intelligenceCognitive overload during reading, leading to attention breakdownSlow or error-prone completion of schoolworkParent story: A child appeared inattentive but was actually exhausted by reading demands. Once decoding support was applied, focus and confidence improved.Why schools miss dyslexiaMany teachers are not trained to identify dyslexia accurately. Advocacy steps:Request phonological processing testing and sound-by-sound decoding assessmentsAsk for Orton–Gillingham, Wilson, or Lindamood-Bell instructionSecure IEP or 504 accommodations for frequent, structured reading instructionSupporting ADHD and dyslexia at homeChildren with both conditions require brain-based supports:Magnesium to support focus and regulationPredictable routines and structured task breakdownsCo-regulation to model calm and reduce stressSleep, nutrition, hydration, and movement to optimize attentionParent story: A child improved reading fluency and emotional flexibility once these supports were implemented alongside structured instruction.Listen + Take the Next StepGet your FREE Regulation Rescue Kit to support focus and regulation: 👉 www.drroseann.com/newsletterFAQsQ1: What’s the main difference between dyslexia and ADHD? Dyslexia affects language processing and decoding; ADHD affects attention and executive function.Q2: Can dyslexia cause attention problems without ADHD? Yes. Cognitive overload during reading can make children appear inattentive.Q3: Can children with dyslexia learn to read fluently? Absolutely. Structured, multisensory instruction delivered consistently is the gold standard.Q4: How can parents support focus at home? Predictable routines, magnesium, movement breaks, and co-regulation reinforce regulation and attention.Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge helps parents understand Emotional Dysregulation in Children and teaches practical Nervous System Regulation in Children and Co-Regulation Techniques through her Regulation First Parenting™ approach.To learn more about ADHD and dyslexia, you may check out the following posts:● ADHD vs EF vs Dyslexia● 9 Signs Your Child Might be Dyslexic● What Parents Should Know About Auditory Dyslexia ● 504 Plan for Students with Dyslexia● Improving Reading Skills Brain Training for Dyslexia with Nancy Mcdermott● 137 Top 10 IEP Mistakes with Pete Wright Esq