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Is dyslexia comorbid with ADHD in most diagnoses? 

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Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

The short answer is no, but dyslexia comorbidity ADHD diagnoses are still relatively common. Studies show that around 25 to 40 percent of people with ADHD also have dyslexia. This significant ADHD dyslexia diagnosis overlap means that in many cases, both conditions are present, but not in the majority of all diagnoses. 

Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects reading, spelling, and language processing. ADHD, on the other hand, is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts attention, organisation, and self-regulation. While they can occur separately, the dyslexia ADHD co-diagnosis frequency is high enough that professionals often screen for both during assessment. 

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Why the Co-diagnosis Happens 

Researchers believe ADHD comorbid dyslexia occurs because of shared brain network differences, particularly in regions that control language, memory, and attention. Genetic factors can also contribute to the link, as some of the same gene variations are thought to influence both conditions. These overlapping influences are part of the reason why dyslexia comorbidity ADHD diagnoses are regularly found in clinical settings. 

Signs That May Indicate a Co-diagnosis 

When dyslexia and ADHD occur together, people may experience a combination of reading and focus-related challenges. Examples include: 

Difficulty sustaining attention during reading  

The effort to decode text can make it harder to stay focused. Literacy-focused interventions and ADHD-friendly teaching methods can help. 

Slow reading speed and low retention  

Dyslexia impacts reading fluency, while ADHD affects working memory. Combined strategies like structured literacy and CBT may improve outcomes. 

Reduced academic confidence 

Struggling in more than one area can affect self-esteem. Supportive therapy can help rebuild resilience. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations that assess both attention and reading challenges. 

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia).

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Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Author

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

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