Dyslexia or ADHD—or Both? Understanding the Overlap

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Difficulty concentrating, forgetting instructions, avoiding reading, and struggling to complete tasks can appear in both dyslexia and ADHD—but the underlying reasons may be different. In this episode of The Dyslexic Signal, Lauren Divine and Harrison Cole explain the similarities and important differences between dyslexia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Learn how dyslexia primarily affects reading, decoding, and spelling, while ADHD involves persistent difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, or a combination of these symptoms. The episode also explores how dyslexia and ADHD can occur together, why one does not cause the other, and why only a qualified professional should provide a diagnosis. Who This Episode Is For Dyslexic adults and adolescents, people with or exploring ADHD, parents, caregivers, students, educators, employers, and anyone seeking a clearer understanding of these conditions. Disclaimer This podcast provides general educational information and lived experience. It does not diagnose dyslexia, ADHD, or any other condition and is not a substitute for an individualized professional evaluation. Attention, memory, reading, organization, and behavioral difficulties can have several causes. Consult an appropriately qualified healthcare, psychological, or educational professional for personal guidance. Resources CDC: Diagnosing ADHD CDC: ADHD in Adults International Dyslexia Association: ADHD and Dyslexia International Dyslexia Association: Dyslexia Basics AAP: ADHD Clinical Practice Guideline Comorbidity of Reading Disabilities and ADHD High Rates of Comorbidity Among Neurodevelopmental Disorders Understand the signal. Reduce the shame. Make the next step possible.