BY Dr. J. Renae Norton

Dyslexia is a brain-based specific learning disability (LD). It affects a person’s language ability,making it difficult to learn to read, spell, decode, and recognize words. ADD/ADHD is a

neurobehavioral condition characterized by patterns of hyperactivity in some and lethargy inothers, inattention, and impulsivity. The two conditions can have overlapping characteristicsand be completely different, but it is also common for them to occur together. Children withADD/ADHD are more likely to have a learning disability than children who do not haveADD/ADHD.

The Connection Between ADD/ADHD and Dyslexia

In the past, ADD/ADHD and dyslexia were viewed as being independent of each other.However, research has shown that when it comes to the brain, impairments related toADD/ADHD also occur with dyslexia. This can lead to a number of complications, including lowacademic achievement and poor self-esteem. For the ADD/ADHD individual, support andbehavioral strategies can help. For the dyslexic individual, educational programs can help withthe skills needed to improve reading abilities.Although ADD/ADHD and dyslexia are separate conditions, in people who have both, we findthat they have broad executive function impairments (problems focusing, using workingmemory, etc.), as well as an impairment of the particular skills needed for reading such asprocessing symbols swiftly. Sometimes it is difficult to tell the two disorders apart. They areboth neurobehavioral disorders, but while ADD/ADHD involves attention which can make ithard to read, dyslexia affects learning to read. Here are three examples:

Distraction

Both children with ADD/ADHD and dyslexia can appear distracted; however, the reasonbehind the distraction is different. A child with ADD/ADHD might appear distracted becauseit is difficult for them to pay attention, while a child with dyslexia might seem distractedbecause reading requires a great deal of effort and their energy has dwindled. If, forexample, they are unable to read the assignment, they may focus on the aunt crawling onthe windowsill instead.

Fluency

Fluent readers are able to read with accuracy and sufficient speed to comprehend whatthey have read. A child with ADD/ADHD may not be a fluent reader because they lose theirplace easily or skip parts because their fast brain has raced ahead. So they go too fast tocomprehend.On the other hand, someone with dyslexia might not be a fluent reader because they spenda long time sounding out each word and still end up reading words incorrectly. By the timethey get the word sounded out, the other words are forgotten. So they go too slow. In bothcases, comprehension is negatively impacted.

Writing Skills

Writing and penmanship can also be problematic for both the ADD/ADHD and dyslexic. TheADD/ADHD has problems with organization and proof-reading, while a child with dyslexiahas problems with spelling, grammar, organizing ideas, proofreading, and handwriting.A good way to distinguish the two conditions is to remember that dyslexia problems occurmostly during reading and writing activities, whereas ADD/ADHD symptoms appear in manysettings and are more behavioral in nature.

Complications of ADD/ADHD and Dyslexia

Having ADD/ADHD and dyslexia together can increase the complications of both conditions.People with dyslexia have problems with spelling, reading, and recognizing words. As a result,reading comprehension, vocabulary, and general knowledge is compromised compared toother children the same age who do not have dyslexia. Having ADD/ADHD at the same time canmake it even more difficult for such kids to manage their dyslexic symptoms.

Diagnosis of ADD/ADHD and Dyslexia

The two conditions are diagnosed using different criteria and sometimes by differentprofessionals. ADD/ADHD is identified by a psychologist, neuropsychologist, and some familydoctors. Dyslexia is a condition that is often first identified by an educator who may then referthe individual to a school psychologist or neuropsychologist for diagnosis and furtherassessment.

Treatment of ADD/ADHD and Dyslexia

Medications are often prescribed to help children and adults manage specific ADD/ADHDcharacteristics. Treatment for dyslexia, on the other hand, focuses on educational interventionsto improve reading and fluency.

Coping With ADD/ADHD and Dyslexia

One of the biggest challenges for children with ADD/ADHD and dyslexia is being able to feelgood about themselves. Often, their confidence and self-esteem are low as they struggle withtasks that their peers may find easy. Some strategies that can help people cope include:

Identify

When children know they have a condition with a name, like ADD/ADHD and dyslexia, ithelps them. They understand why they are the way they are, and it stops them from lookingfor explanations for themselves, which are often terms like ‘I am stupid’ and ‘I am dumb.”

Focus on Effort

Give your child positive feedback on the effort they put into a task rather than their resultsor grades. A child with dyslexia and ADD/ADHD has to work harder than other students, yetthat effort is not always reflected in their grades. Knowing that their effort is recognized byyou makes a big difference to a child’s self-esteem.

Encourage Activity Outside of School

When your child shows an interest in an activity outside of school, encourage it. Being goodat something—whether it is a martial art, a sport, arts or crafts—builds confidence. It has apositive ripple effect on other areas of life, ​including school-related activities.

If you have a child who is struggling with ADD/ADHD, or if you are, reach out to us. We canhelp.