ADHD and Dyslexia: Understanding My Children’s Different Learning Needs

As a parent, I’ve always known that no two children are exactly alike. But I never expected to navigate two completely different learning challenges under the same roof. My older child has dyslexia, and my younger one has ADHD. While both of them have struggled in school, their challenges—and strengths—are unique. Understanding how dyslexia and ADHD are alike, how they’re different, and how they sometimes overlap has been essential in learning how to support each of them in the best way possible.

What Is Dyslexia?

When my older child started school, reading was a struggle from the very beginning. No matter how hard they tried, the words on the page wouldn’t seem to stick. Dyslexia, I later learned, is a language-based learning difference that affects reading, spelling, and writing. It’s not about intelligence—my child is incredibly bright and creative—but their brain processes words in a way that makes reading more challenging. Over time, I’ve realized that while reading might not come easily, their strengths in problem-solving, storytelling, and thinking outside the box more than make up for it.

What Is ADHD?

My younger child, on the other hand, had no trouble learning to read. But keeping them focused? That was an entirely different challenge. ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, affects attention, impulse control, and executive functioning. For my younger one, this meant constantly moving, forgetting instructions, and struggling to complete tasks. It wasn’t that they couldn’t focus—it was just that their brain worked at a different speed, jumping from one thought to the next before finishing the first one. While ADHD made schoolwork difficult, I also saw their energy, enthusiasm, and creativity shine in ways that amazed me.

How Are ADHD and Dyslexia Alike?

At first, I thought my kids’ challenges were completely separate. But as time went on, I started to notice some similarities. Both of them struggled in traditional classroom settings. Both felt frustrated when schoolwork took longer than expected. And both, at different points, started to doubt their own abilities. I saw firsthand how dyslexia and ADHD can impact a child’s confidence, making them feel like they weren’t as capable as their peers. In reality, they just needed different strategies and supports to succeed.

How Are ADHD and Dyslexia Different?

While my children’s struggles sometimes looked similar, the root causes were completely different. My dyslexic child’s biggest hurdle was reading—decoding words, spelling, and fluency. Even when they focused, reading was still difficult. Meanwhile, my child with ADHD had no problem reading but had difficulty sitting still long enough to finish assignments or follow multi-step instructions. One needed structured reading interventions, while the other needed tools to help with focus and self-regulation.

A Learner Can Have Both ADHD and Dyslexia

Although my children have separate diagnoses, I’ve learned that many kids have both ADHD and dyslexia at the same time. Research shows that up to 50% of children with dyslexia also have ADHD. This combination can make learning even more complicated—struggling with reading and attention means kids need extra support in multiple areas. If one of my children had both, I can only imagine how much more challenging school would be. It has made me even more grateful for the resources and interventions that can help kids succeed.

Conclusion

Raising two children with different learning needs has been a journey—one full of challenges but also full of discoveries. I’ve learned that success doesn’t mean learning at the same pace as everyone else; it means finding the right strategies to help each child reach their potential. Whether it’s structured reading support for my dyslexic child or movement breaks and executive function strategies for my child with ADHD, I know that with the right tools, both of them can thrive. If you’re a parent facing a similar journey, know that you’re not alone. Every child has their own path, and with patience and the right support, they can find their way

Need Help?

If you’re a parent navigating the challenges of dyslexia, you don’t have to do it alone. At Apricot Tree Academy, we offer a comprehensive dyslexia intervention program designed to help children build strong reading skills with proven, research-based methods. Our program provides the structured support your child needs to develop confidence and success in reading. Give your child the tools to thrive—enroll in our dyslexia intervention program today! Visit our website to learn more and take the first step toward unlocking your child’s full potential