ADHD and Dyslexia: Understanding Co-Occurrence, Overlap and Assessment
ADHD and Dyslexia: Why Do They So Often Occur Together?
Dyslexia and ADHD are two of the most common neurodevelopmental differences seen in children and adults. At Brentford Dyslexia, many individuals referred for a dyslexia assessment in West London also present with attention, working memory or organisational difficulties commonly associated with ADHD.
This overlap is not accidental. Research and clinical practice consistently show that dyslexia and ADHD frequently co-occur, and understanding this relationship is essential for accurate identification and effective support.
How Common Is ADHD and Dyslexia Co-Occurrence?
Studies suggest that around 30–50% of individuals with dyslexia also meet criteria for ADHD, with a similar proportion of individuals with ADHD showing significant literacy difficulties consistent with dyslexia.
For learners, this often means that difficulties with reading and spelling are accompanied by challenges with:
Attention and concentration
Working memory
Processing speed
Organisation and task completion
When both profiles are present, difficulties can appear more complex and persistent without the right assessment and intervention.
Are Dyslexia and ADHD the Same Thing?
No. Dyslexia and ADHD are distinct conditions, but they are closely related.
Dyslexia primarily affects word reading accuracy, reading fluency, spelling and phonological processing.
ADHD primarily affects attention regulation, impulse control and executive functioning.
However, the two conditions share overlapping cognitive and neurological pathways, which helps explain why they so often occur together.
Shared Cognitive Difficulties in ADHD and Dyslexia
Working Memory
Working memory difficulties are common in both dyslexia and ADHD and may affect:
Learning phonics and spelling rules
Reading comprehension
Following instructions
Mental maths and multi-step tasks
Processing Speed
Reduced processing speed can impact:
Reading fluency
Written output
Note-taking
Performance in timed tasks or exams
Executive Functioning
Executive functioning difficulties can lead to:
Poor organisation of written work
Difficulty planning and structuring tasks
Inconsistent academic performance
Increased mental fatigue
While phonological processing difficulties are central to dyslexia and not a defining feature of ADHD, attention and executive function difficulties can significantly exacerbate literacy difficulties.
How ADHD Can Mask or Complicate Dyslexia
In some individuals, ADHD traits such as inattention or impulsivity are identified first, and literacy difficulties may be attributed solely to poor focus rather than underlying dyslexia.
In other cases, strong verbal reasoning skills or effective coping strategies may mask dyslexia, while ADHD-related inconsistency leads to fluctuating performance that makes difficulties harder to identify.
This is why a comprehensive dyslexia assessment is essential when ADHD traits are present.
The Importance of a Comprehensive Dyslexia Assessment
At Brentford Dyslexia, assessments are designed to explore the full learning profile, not just reading and spelling. A thorough assessment typically considers:
Cognitive ability and reasoning skills
Phonological processing
Working memory and processing speed
Attention and executive functioning
Educational history and learning behaviours
This approach supports accurate identification of dyslexia, highlights co-occurring ADHD traits, and ensures recommendations are appropriately targeted.
Learn more about our assessments:
Dyslexia assessments for children, adults and schools in West London
Supporting Learners with ADHD and Dyslexia
When ADHD and dyslexia co-occur, effective support should address both literacy development and learning regulation. Support may include:
Structured, explicit literacy intervention
Clear task breakdown and reduced cognitive load
Support with organisation, planning and time management
Access arrangements such as extra time
Strategies to support attention and self-regulation
Addressing only one area often leads to limited progress and unnecessary frustration.
Strengths Associated with ADHD and Dyslexia
Many individuals with dyslexia and ADHD demonstrate notable strengths, including:
Creative and flexible thinking
Strong verbal reasoning
Problem-solving abilities
Innovation and empathy
A strengths-based perspective is central to effective assessment and long-term success.
Final Thoughts
The co-occurrence of ADHD and dyslexia is common, well-researched and entirely valid. Difficulties with reading, attention and organisation are not due to lack of effort, but reflect genuine neurodevelopmental differences.
A high-quality assessment can provide clarity, confidence and a clear pathway forward — enabling children and adults to access the support they need to thrive.
