Find Your Solution
In 3 minutes, you’ll know where to start ➤
%20.png)
[embed]https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a2d8ac8f-bb36-446f-82b7-c36dd8124607[/embed]Estimated reading time: 6 minWhen your child is navigating adhd and dyslexia, it can feel confusing and overwhelming, and I know that both as a professional and as a mom of a dyslexic. These conditions are often diagnosed together, but many dyslexic kids only appear inattentive because reading drains their cognitive resources. In this episode, I explain why dyslexia is frequently mistaken for ADHD, what’s happening in the dyslexic brain, and how to get accurate assessment, targeted remediation, and brain-based support.
Accurate assessment is everything. Many children get misdiagnosed because evaluators skip essential phonological testing or rely on generalized reading scores.Here’s what should always be included:
If your child was labeled with a vague “reading disability,” that’s a red flag. Dyslexia must be identified specifically to get proper remediation.
Many teachers simply haven’t been trained to identify dyslexia, even in 2024. Some states do better than others, but inconsistencies are common.To advocate effectively:
A mom once told me, “They said he’d grow out of it.” Dyslexia doesn’t resolve without structured, multisensory intervention.
When adhd and dyslexia coexist, the cognitive load is even higher. These kids need brain-based supports and consistent routines.Try incorporating:
Only structured, multisensory programs reliably build reading fluency in dyslexic learners. The gold standard:
These work because they break down reading into clear, sequential pieces and tap into kinesthetic learning pathways that dyslexic brains thrive on.Remember:
I’ve watched thousands of kids learn to read beautifully with proper remediation—dyslexia is absolutely manageable.When your child is dysregulated, it’s easy to feel helpless. The Regulation Rescue Kit gives you the scripts and strategies you need to stay grounded and in control. Become a Dysregulation Insider VIP at www.drroseann.com/newsletter and get your free kit today.
🗣️ “You can’t fix reading struggles without addressing the brain—and dyslexic brains learn differently, not poorly.” — Dr. Roseann
Your child isn’t lazy or unfocused—dyslexia and attention challenges stem from how their brain processes information. With proper assessment, brain-based supports, and evidence-backed reading instruction, they can thrive. For more inspiration, listen to Kat’s Dyslexic Advantage: From Diagnosis to Distinction, where we explore the strengths and gifts that often come with dyslexia. You’re doing the right thing by seeking knowledge and support.
Dyslexia is a language-based processing issue; ADHD is a regulation and attention issue. They can look alike because both impact focus.
Yes. When kids work harder to decode, their cognitive load spikes and attention breaks down.
Absolutely, with structured, multisensory instruction delivered frequently and consistently.Every child’s journey is different. That’s why cookie-cutter solutions don’t work. Take the free Solution Matcher Quiz and get a customized path to support your child’s emotional and behavioral needs—no guessing, no fluff. Start today at www.drroseann.com/help
Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge is a licensed therapist, certified school psychologist, and leading expert in emotional dysregulation in children. With over 30 years of experience, she helps parents understand the root causes of meltdowns, anxiety, ADHD, and challenging behavior through the lens of nervous system regulation. Dr. Roseann teaches practical, science-backed strategies for co-regulation and how to calm a dysregulated child using her Regulation First Parenting™ approach. She is the host of the Dysregulated Kids Podcast and author of The Dysregulated Kid.
Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge
Emotional Dysregulation in Children & Nervous System Expert
Regulation First Parenting™ | CALMS Protocol™
Host of the Dysregulated Kids Podcast (Top 1% Globally)
Author of The Dysregulated Kid
