How does ADHD impact the ability to connect ideas while reading? 

Many people with ADHD can read each sentence clearly but still struggle to connect ideas into a bigger picture. This difficulty is linked to differences in working memory, attention and executive function rather than a lack of ability. According to NICE guidance (NG87), attention lapses, distractibility and forgetfulness can make it harder to hold earlier information in mind long enough to integrate it with what comes next. 

Why connecting ideas is harder with ADHD 

Research shows that some children and adolescents with ADHD read words accurately but experience challenges with comprehension, especially when a passage requires linking details, making inferences or understanding the overall message. Studies highlight that working memory plays a major role in this process. When attention drifts or memory fades, earlier parts of the text can be lost before they can be connected to new information, making it harder to follow arguments or understand themes. 

How this appears in everyday reading 

Executive functions such as updating, monitoring and flexible shifting help readers track ideas across sentences and paragraphs. Evidence suggests that differences in frontal and fronto parietal networks, which support these skills, can make connecting ideas more effortful for people with ADHD. Royal College of Psychiatrists guidance note that many individuals need to re read passages, lose their place or remember only fragments of what they have read, especially when texts are long or complex. 

For those seeking assessment or clarity, services like ADHD Certify offer structured ADHD assessments for adults and children in the UK. 

Key takeaway 

ADHD can affect the ability to connect ideas while reading because working memory and attention processes are more easily overloaded. With tailored strategies and the right support, many people with ADHD can improve comprehension and make reading feel more manageable. 

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.