Dyslexia vs ADHD: How to Tell the Difference

Many parents start researching learning differences when something about school does not feel quite right.

A child may be bright and curious but reading seems unusually difficult. Homework takes far longer than expected. Instructions are forgotten. Concentration appears inconsistent.

At this point, a common question arises:

Is this dyslexia or ADHD?

Both dyslexia and ADHD are common neurodevelopmental differences that can affect learning. They sometimes appear similar in the classroom, which can make it difficult for parents to understand what is really happening.

Understanding the difference between dyslexia and ADHD can help parents identify the right type of support for their child.

What Is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that affects reading and spelling development. It reflects differences in how the brain processes written language.

Children with dyslexia may experience difficulties with:

• recognising sounds within words

• linking sounds to letters

• decoding unfamiliar words

• spelling accurately

• reading fluently

Many dyslexic learners also experience differences in phonological processing, working memory and processing speed.

It is important to remember that dyslexia is not related to intelligence. Many individuals with dyslexia are highly capable thinkers with strong reasoning, creativity and problem-solving abilities.

What Is ADHD?

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) affects attention regulation, impulse control and activity levels.

Children with ADHD may experience difficulties with:

• sustaining attention during tasks

• following multi-step instructions

• organising materials or work

• managing impulses

• staying seated or still when required

ADHD affects how the brain regulates attention and behaviour, rather than how written language is processed.

Dyslexia vs ADHD: Key Differences

Although dyslexia and ADHD can sometimes look similar in school settings, the underlying difficulties are different.

Reading and Spelling

Children with dyslexia typically struggle with:

• decoding unfamiliar words

• recognising common words quickly

• spelling consistently

• reading fluently

Reading may appear slow, effortful and tiring.

Children with ADHD may also struggle with reading, but the difficulty is usually linked to losing focus, rather than decoding problems.

Attention and Concentration

ADHD primarily affects attention regulation.

Children with ADHD may:

• become easily distracted

• struggle to stay on task

• frequently move between activities

• forget instructions

In dyslexia, attention difficulties may occur because reading tasks require such effort that concentration becomes difficult to maintain.

Organisation and Task Completion

Children with ADHD often experience difficulties with:

• organising materials

• managing time

• completing tasks consistently

Dyslexic learners may take longer to complete work, but this is usually because reading and writing tasks require greater cognitive effort, not because of organisational difficulties.

Why Dyslexia and ADHD Are Sometimes Confused

In classrooms, dyslexia and ADHD can sometimes lead to similar behaviours.

For example, a child who struggles with reading may appear distracted, frustrated or disengaged during literacy tasks.

However, this behaviour may be a response to the effort required to decode text, rather than an attention disorder.

At the same time, children with ADHD may avoid reading because they struggle to maintain focus long enough to complete the task.

This overlap means it can sometimes be difficult to understand the underlying cause without exploring how the child processes information.

Can a Child Have Both Dyslexia and ADHD?

Yes. Dyslexia and ADHD frequently occur together.

Research suggests that many children with dyslexia also experience attention differences, and vice versa.

When both are present, a child may experience challenges with:

• reading and spelling

• sustaining attention

• organising schoolwork

• completing tasks efficiently

Understanding a child’s full learning profile helps ensure that support addresses both literacy development and attention regulation.

Signs That May Suggest Dyslexia

Parents may notice patterns such as:

• difficulty learning letter–sound relationships

• guessing words when reading

• inconsistent spelling

• needing to reread text to understand it

• slow or effortful reading

Children may also become tired or frustrated during reading tasks.

Signs That May Suggest ADHD

ADHD may be suspected when a child consistently shows:

• difficulty sustaining attention

• frequent distraction

• impulsive behaviour

• difficulty completing tasks

• challenges organising materials or instructions

These behaviours usually appear across multiple environments, including school and home.

When Should You Seek a Dyslexia Assessment?

If a child continues to experience reading or spelling difficulties despite appropriate teaching and practice, it may be helpful to explore whether dyslexia could be affecting their learning.

A diagnostic assessment can examine areas such as:

• reasoning ability

• phonological processing

• working memory

• reading and spelling skills

This helps identify the cognitive processes underlying a child’s learning profile and provides guidance for effective support.

Understanding Your Child’s Learning Profile

Dyslexia and ADHD both reflect differences in how the brain processes information, but they influence learning in different ways.

Dyslexia primarily affects reading and language processing, while ADHD affects attention regulation and executive functioning.

Understanding the difference allows parents and educators to move beyond frustration and towards support strategies that match how a child learns best.

For many families, gaining this understanding is the first step towards rebuilding confidence and helping a child thrive in school.

You can find out more about dyslexia by visiting https://www.thisisdyslexia.co.uk/dyslexia-guide-uk