Estimated reading time: 6 min
When 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.
How do I know if my child truly has ADHD or if it’s just dyslexia overwhelm?
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:
- Sound-by-sound decoding tests (e.g., WADE in Orton–Gillingham)
- Phonological processing measures
- Working memory assessment
- A QEEG brain map when possible
- A full educational evaluation, not just a brief screener
If your child was labeled with a vague “reading disability,” that’s a red flag. Dyslexia must be identified specifically to get proper remediation.
Why do schools miss dyslexia so often—and what can I do about it?
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:
- Push for targeted phonological testing.
- Request Orton–Gillingham–based instruction, not generic literacy support.
- Get an IEP, or an 504, when direct reading instruction is required.
- Ask for 4–5 sessions per week, the intensity research supports.
A mom once told me, “They said he’d grow out of it.” Dyslexia doesn’t resolve without structured, multisensory intervention.
How do I support my child at home if they have both dyslexia and attention challenges?
When adhd and dyslexia coexist, the cognitive load is even higher. These kids need brain-based supports and consistent routines.
Try incorporating:
- Magnesium to power the brain
- Neurofeedback or PEMF for regulation
- Sleep, nutrition, hydration, and movement
- Predictable routines to reduce cognitive strain
- Co-regulation, so your calm becomes their calm
What kind of reading instruction actually works for dyslexia?
Only structured, multisensory programs reliably build reading fluency in dyslexic learners. The gold standard:
- Orton–Gillingham
- Wilson
- Lindamood-Bell
These work because they break down reading into clear, sequential pieces and tap into kinesthetic learning pathways that dyslexic brains thrive on.
Remember:
- Dyslexic kids need 100% mastery, not 80%, before moving on.
- Intensity matters more than duration.
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
Takeaway & What’s Next
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.
FAQs
What’s the main difference between dyslexia and ADHD?
Dyslexia is a language-based processing issue; ADHD is a regulation and attention issue. They can look alike because both impact focus.
Can dyslexia cause attention problems even without ADHD?
Yes. When kids work harder to decode, their cognitive load spikes and attention breaks down.
Can a child with dyslexia learn to read fluently?
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
