How is dyslexia different from ADHD?

PostedAugust 28, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 8, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Avery Lombardi, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Dyslexia vs ADHD is a common comparison, as both conditions can affect academic performance and involve inattention. However, understanding the key differences between dyslexia and ADHD is essential for providing accurate diagnoses and effective treatment.

Dyslexia vs ADHD: Core Differences

Dyslexia is primarily a reading disorder that affects a person’s ability to decode written words, understand written language, and recognise words quickly. Individuals with dyslexia often struggle with reading fluency, spelling, and word recognition, despite having normal intelligence and good vision. The challenges are specifically related to language processing in the brain, affecting how written information is understood and processed.

In contrast, ADHD involves difficulties with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Children and adults with ADHD may have trouble staying focused on tasks, following through on assignments, or managing their behaviour. ADHD does not specifically affect reading or language skills, but the inattention and impulsivity associated with ADHD can impact learning and classroom behaviour.

Key Symptoms

Dyslexia and ADHD may co-occur in children with similar behaviours, their causes and manifestations are distinct.

Dyslexia: Struggles with reading, writing, and spelling; difficulty recognising words or understanding written material.

ADHD: Issues with sustained attention, impulse control, and hyperactivity, which can make tasks like reading or completing assignments challenging, but not due to a reading disorder.

In conclusion, dyslexia vs ADHD highlights two distinct conditions. Dyslexia is a reading disorder that specifically impacts reading and language processing, while ADHD affects attention and behaviour. While these conditions can sometimes overlap, they require different approaches for diagnosis and treatment.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert guidance tailored to your unique situation.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Differential Diagnosis of ADHD.

Avery Lombardi, MSc

Author

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

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.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

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 reviewer's privacy.