Why is reading challenging for individuals with ADHD? 

Many people with ADHD find that reading takes more effort and concentration than it does for others. According to NICE guidance, ADHD symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation can significantly affect learning and academic performance, including reading. While most people with ADHD can read words accurately, maintaining focus, understanding long passages, and remembering what they have read can be much harder. 

Cognitive and emotional factors in reading difficulties 

Reading comprehension in ADHD is closely linked to how the brain manages attention, working memory, and processing speed. A 2025 NIH study found that slower processing and weaker working memory predicted lower reading performance in children with ADHD. This means that while decoding words may not be an issue, holding and integrating information across sentences can be difficult. 

Distractibility also interrupts the flow of reading, causing frequent rereading or loss of context. Impulsivity can lead to skimming or skipping lines, while emotional frustration or boredom can make it even harder to stay engaged. NICE guidance highlights that these difficulties are not signs of laziness but reflect genuine differences in cognitive load and regulation. 

For individuals seeking assessment or educational support, private services such as ADHD Certify provide ADHD assessments for adults and children in the UK, following NICE-aligned standards of care. 

Key takeaway 

People with ADHD often understand words but struggle to stay focused long enough to fully comprehend what they read. By combining structured reading strategies, supportive environments, and professional guidance, many can build stronger reading confidence and comprehension skills. 

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.