The two conditions can look similar and often go hand in hand.
In fact, kids with ADHD aremore likely to have a learning disabilitythan those who don’t.
However, research has shown that theexecutive functionimpairments seen in ADHD also play a role in dyslexia.
Peter Dazeley/Creative RF/Getty Images
With ADHD, a kid might appear distracted because it is difficult for them to pay attention.
To actually understand what they are reading,g, kids need to develop fluency first.
Whatever the cause, both affect a reader’s ability to understand what they read.
It also means reading is not an enjoyable activity for them.
Writing
Writing and penmanship can create problems.
In contrast,ADHD symptomsappear in many parameters and are more behavioral in nature.
People with dyslexia have problems with spelling, reading, and recognizing words.
However, dyslexia is not a reflection of intelligence.
They may think of themselves as less intelligent or less competent than their peers who do not have dyslexia.
Having ADHD at the same time can make it more difficult for kids to focus.
Because dyslexia is not a medical condition, an evaluation for dyslexia is not usually covered by medical insurance.
Treatment for dyslexia, on the other hand, focuses on educational interventions to improve reading and fluency.
Educational Programs
There are various specialized dyslexia reading programs.
They are often based on or include elements of the Orton-Gillingham approach.
Its research-based method is widely regarded as an effective form of treatment for dyslexia.
Not all reading programs are helpful for dyslexic students.
Look for ones that include phonemic awareness, fluency, and detailed guidelines for spelling rules.
Your childs school may have specially trained teachers who can provide the help they need.
When you are learning about dyslexia, a common message is early intervention is key.
Early detection of any condition is, of course, helpful.
However, if you realize your child has dyslexia while they are older, do not feel guilty.
It is never too late to get tested and seek the appropriate treatment.
Knowing that their effort is recognized by you makes a big difference to a childs self-esteem.
Being good at somethingwhether it is a martial art, a sport, arts or craftsbuilds confidence.
It has a positive ripple effect on other areas of life, including school-related activities.
Takeaways
ADHD and dyslexia are both neurobehavioral conditions that often occur together.
This can lead to a number of complications, including low academic achievement and poor self-esteem.
Interventions and supportive assistance with medication and behavioral strategies can help people manage the characteristics of ADHD.
Educational programs can help people develop new skills to improve their reading abilities.
If your child has ADHD and dyslexia, the ADHD symptoms can mask the dyslexia tell-tale signs.
Also, children often find ways to compensate for andmasktheir difficulties, making detecting potential problems harder.
2019;7(17):2420-2426. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v7.i17.2420
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Data and statistics about ADHD.
McGrath LM, Stoodley CJ.Are there shared neural correlates between dyslexia and ADHD?
A meta-analysis of voxel-based morphometry studies.J Neurodev Disord.
2020;9(Suppl 1):S104-S113.
doi:10.21037/tp.2019.09.08
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Dyslexia information page.
2017;8:137. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00137
Harvard Health.Dyslexia - What is it?
International Dyslexia Association.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) and dyslexia.
International Dyslexia Association.Why is structured literacy missing from so many teacher programs?
International Dyslexia Association.Gifted and dyslexic: Identifying and instructing the twice exceptional student fact sheet.
Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators.What is the Orton-Gillingham Approach?
New York: National Center for Learning Disabilities, 2014.
Germano E, Gagliano A, Curatolo P.Comorbidity of ADHD and dyslexia.
2010;35(5):475-93. doi:10.1080/87565641.2010.494748
