When ADHD and Dyslexia Coexist: Understanding AuDHD for Learners
Some children don’t just struggle with reading (like in dyslexia). They also can’t sit still, lose books, forget instructions, and make “careless mistakes” even when they know the answers.
These are children with both:
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Dyslexia (Specific Learning Disability in reading/writing)
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ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
This condition is sometimes called ADHD + Dyslexia comorbidity or AuDHD (when autism traits overlap too).
🎯 How Common Is ADHD + Dyslexia Together?
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Around 30–50% of children with dyslexia also have ADHD
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20–40% of ADHD children have a learning disability like dyslexia, dysgraphia or dyscalculia
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Boys are diagnosed more often — not because they suffer more, but because girls are often quieter, more inattentive, and go unnoticed
This overlap makes diagnosis, teaching, and parenting much more challenging — but also more rewarding when treated right.
🔍 How Does ADHD + Dyslexia Present? (Signs to Notice)
| Area | ADHD Symptoms | Dyslexia Symptoms | Combined in Same Child |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attention | Easily distracted, forgetful, avoids homework | Struggles to read/write, guesses words | Avoids reading + loses focus halfway |
| Behaviour | Restless, fidgety, impulsive replies | Avoids reading or writing aloud | Gets frustrated and walks away from books |
| Reading | Skips words, lines, rushes reading | Reverses letters, reads slowly | Reads fast but wrong OR slow and inaccurate |
| Writing | Poor handwriting due to rush | Incorrect spellings, mirror writing | Fast + messy + full of spelling errors |
| Emotions | Mood swings, anger, tears when corrected | Low confidence, fears failure | Says “I hate school” / “I’m dumb” |
| Exam performance | Knows answers but doesn’t finish paper | Misreads questions, writes wrong spellings | Score much below intelligence |
❓ How Do Parents/Teachers Usually Misinterpret This Child?
❌ “Lazy, careless, always rushing!”
❌ “He doesn’t sit still — how will he learn anything?”
❌ “She knows the answer but makes silly spelling mistakes.”
❌ “Too much mobile — that’s the whole problem.”
❌ “Needs more tuition and discipline.”
But the problem is neurological, not motivational.
🧠 Why Do They Come Together? (Science in Simple Words)
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Both disorders affect left brain networks — responsible for reading, working memory, planning, attention
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Genetics overlap: if a parent has ADHD, learning difficulty is more likely in child
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Brain imaging shows reduced activation in prefrontal cortex (attention control) and temporal-parietal regions (reading processing)
✅ Diagnosis — How to Confirm ADHD + Dyslexia
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Detailed developmental & school history
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Psychoeducational Assessment:
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IQ testing (WISC-IV, MISIC, Binet-Kamat)
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NIMHANS SLD Battery / WRAT / Woodcock-Johnson
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ADHD assessment scales: Vanderbilt, Conners, SNAP-IV
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Rule out: hearing issues, thyroid, seizures, anxiety
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Combined diagnosis is made only when:
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Intelligence is normal
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Learning problem is persistent
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Attention/hyperactivity symptoms affect daily life
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💊 Treatment – What Actually Works?
🧠 1. For ADHD Symptoms
✔ Medication helps improve attention, reduce impulsivity
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Methylphenidate / Atomoxetine / Guanfacine
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Makes brain calmer → ready to learn
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Must be prescribed + monitored by psychiatrist
✍️ 2. For Dyslexia / Learning Disability
✔ Medication alone won’t help with reading/writing
Need:
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Remedial Education (Orton-Gillingham, phonics-based, multi-sensory methods)
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Special educator (RCI registered)
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Frequent revision, visual aids, structured writing
🧩 3. Combined Interventions
| Problem | Intervention |
|---|---|
| Can’t sit for study | Timer-based learning: 20 min study + 5 min break |
| Reading difficulty | Phonic drills + loud reading + finger tracking |
| Messy writing | Occupational Therapy + 4-line books + pencil grip |
| Emotional frustration | CBT for self-esteem + parental counselling |
🏫 School Support & Exam Concessions
Children with ADHD + Dyslexia are eligible for all benefits under RPwD Act, 2016:
✔ Extra time in exams (1 hour extra)
✔ Use of scribe/writer
✔ Reduced load (skill/elective subjects instead of Math/2nd language if severe)
✔ No negative marking for spelling mistakes (language papers)
✔ Use of computer typing (if approved by board)
✔ Behavioural support – seat near teacher, reminders, breaks
❤️ What Parents Can Do (Without Losing Their Mind)
✅ Accept the child — it’s a brain type, not a character flaw
✅ Use reward charts, not punishment
✅ Short, structured study periods
✅ Teach in small steps; use pictures, colours, apps
✅ Break homework into smaller chunks
✅ No comparisons — every brain blooms differently
🌟 Final Thought
A child with ADHD + Dyslexia is not broken.
They are like a Ferrari with weak brakes and blurry mirrors — powerful brain, but needs the right guidance.
With structured teaching, medication where needed, empathy and early help — these children can thrive in fields like entrepreneurship, engineering, design, music, coding, animation, storytelling and more.
👨⚕️ About the Author
Dr. Srinivas Rajkumar T
MD (AIIMS, New Delhi), DNB Psychiatry
Consultant Child, Adolescent & Family Psychiatrist
Mind & Memory Clinic – Apollo Clinic (Opp. Phoenix MarketCity), Velachery, Chennai
📞 +91-8595155808 | 🌐 www.srinivasaiims.com