Laura Gowers: The link between ADHD and dyslexia – how common is it to have both conditions?

In recent years, awareness campaigns have shone a spotlight on neurodiverse conditions like ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and Dyslexia. These campaigns have played a crucial role in helping to raise awareness about these conditions, debunking myths, and reducing the stigma often associated with them. In this article, I will discuss the importance of raising awareness of ADHD and Dyslexia.

October is celebrated as both Dyslexia Awareness Month and ADHD Awareness Month, during which advocates and experts emphasise the importance of early diagnosis, appropriate intervention, and ongoing support for individuals with these conditions. However, what is often less discussed in these awareness efforts is the significant overlap between ADHD and dyslexia.

For many individuals, living with just one of these conditions can be challenging. But for a considerable number of people, the reality involves navigating both ADHD and Dyslexia simultaneously. This dual diagnosis can complicate learning, behaviour, and overall well-being. Understanding the connection between ADHD and dyslexia, how common it is to have both conditions, and the implications of this comorbidity is crucial for parents, educators, and healthcare professionals.

To appreciate the relationship between ADHD and dyslexia, it is important to first understand each condition individually.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects an individual’s ability to regulate attention, control impulses, and maintain focus. It is typically characterised by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms can vary in intensity and manifest differently in different individuals.

Dyslexia, on the other hand, is a specific learning difference that primarily affects reading and related language-based processing skills. Individuals with dyslexia often have difficulty with word recognition, spelling, and decoding. These challenges are not indicative of intelligence but rather stem from differences in how the brain processes written and spoken language.

Both ADHD and dyslexia are lifelong conditions, though their symptoms may change or become more manageable with appropriate interventions and strategies. Symptoms can also fluctuate at different stages of life and these may appear more profound during times of stress. Despite their differences, ADHD and Dyslexia share some overlapping features, particularly in how they affect learning and academic performance.

The Link Between ADHD and Dyslexia

Research has shown that ADHD and Dyslexia frequently co-occur, meaning that individuals with one condition are at a higher risk of having the other. This overlap is not coincidental but is thought to arise from underlying neurobiological factors that affect brain function. Researchers from The University of Edinburgh (2024) looked to find clusters of genetically similar traits for Dyslexia and 10 other neurodevelopmental conditions such as Autism, ADHD, Tourette’s. They found that ADHD was more closely related to Dyslexia than any other condition. They identified that there were 49 genetic regions and 174 genes shared between ADHD and Dyslexia.

Studies estimate that anywhere from 25% to 60% of individuals with Dyslexia also have ADHD, and vice versa. ADDitude magazine report that 50 to 60% of people with ADHD have a learning disability.

The co-occurrence of ADHD and Dyslexia can make diagnosis challenging, as the symptoms of one condition can sometimes mask or mimic those of the other. For instance, someone with ADHD may struggle with reading because of inattention and impulsivity, while someone with Dyslexia may appear inattentive due to the frustration and difficulty they experience when trying to read.

When someone has both ADHD and Dyslexia, the impact on their academic, working and social life can be profound. The dual diagnosis can create a more complex profile of learning needs, making it harder to find effective support strategies.

Some shared symptoms and challenges include:

1. Difficulty with Focus and Attention: Both ADHD and Dyslexia can result in problems with focus and attention, though for different reasons. ADHD can lead to a scattered attention span, making it difficult to concentrate on reading or other tasks. Dyslexia, meanwhile, may cause someone to lose focus because reading requires more effort and energy, leading to fatigue and distraction.
2. Academic Struggles: Individuals with either or both conditions often struggle in school. Dyslexia primarily affects reading, writing, and spelling, while ADHD can impact all areas of learning due to difficulties with focus, organisation, and following through on tasks.
3. Frustration and Low Self-Esteem: Repeated academic failures, frustration with tasks that require reading or sustained attention, and the stigma of being “different” can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety and depression in people with ADHD and Dyslexia. This can result in a reluctance to engage in academic activities and a general sense of frustration.
4. Behavioural Impact: The frustration and anxiety that come with dual diagnosis can manifest in behavioral issues. These behaviors are often misunderstood by peers, leading to further social challenges.

Actionable Steps:

Seek Early Diagnosis and Intervention: Early diagnosis can lead to more effective interventions that prevent long-term struggles in workplace and social environments. Be sure to seek a comprehensive assessment that evaluates cognitive abilities, attention, and reading skills.

Create Tailored Learning Strategies: For adults with dual diagnoses, it’s crucial to develop learning and behavioral strategies that address both ADHD and Dyslexia. Employers and employees should work together to create a tailored approach that includes tools like assistive technology, structured routines, and breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

Utilise Support Networks: Individuals with ADHD and Dyslexia should actively seek support from specialised programs, local advocacy groups, or online communities. These networks can provide resources, share coping strategies, and offer emotional support to navigate the challenges of dual diagnoses.

Practice Self-Advocacy Skills: It’s essential to understand a diagnosis and develop self-advocacy skills. Encourage individuals with ADHD and Dyslexia to communicate their specific needs in the workplace. Being open about their challenges can help in receiving the necessary accommodations and fostering a supportive environment.

The reasons for the high rate of comorbidity are still being studied, but there are several theories:

– Brain Structure and Function: Studies show that both ADHD and Dyslexia involve differences in brain regions responsible for executive functions like attention control, working memory, and the processing of language and auditory information. These shared brain differences can lead to challenges in focusing and reading.

– Working Memory Deficits: Both conditions often involve deficits in working memory, which is crucial for holding and manipulating information. In ADHD, this can lead to problems staying focused, while in Dyslexia, it can impact the ability to decode and remember words.

– Language Processing Issues: Dyslexia affects how the brain processes written language, while ADHD can interfere with staying on task and paying attention to detail. Both of these can result in reading difficulties and struggles with understanding written material.

– Attention and Focus Challenges: People with ADHD may struggle with sustained attention, which can make reading more difficult. This can worsen the effects of Dyslexia, which already impacts the ability to decode and comprehend written text.

– Genetic Factors: Both ADHD and Dyslexia have strong genetic components, and families often report cases of both conditions. This suggests that there may be common genetic traits that predispose someone to both.

Given the complex interplay between ADHD and Dyslexia, early diagnosis and intervention are crucial. However, diagnosing both conditions can be challenging, as symptoms of one may overshadow or complicate the other. A comprehensive assessment is necessary to diagnose both ADHD and Dyslexia. This assessment should involve a multidisciplinary approach and the evaluation should assess cognitive abilities, reading and language skills, attention and executive function, and behavioural symptoms.

Raising Awareness and Reducing Stigma

Despite the significant overlap between ADHD and Dyslexia, awareness of this comorbidity is still relatively low. Many are not fully aware of how these conditions interact and the challenges faced by individuals with dual diagnoses. Awareness campaigns, such as those held during Dyslexia Awareness Month and ADHD Awareness Month, play a critical role in educating the public and reducing stigma. By highlighting the realities of living with ADHD and Dyslexia, these campaigns can help promote a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with these conditions.

Raising awareness about the link between ADHD and Dyslexia can encourage earlier diagnosis and intervention, leading to better outcomes for those affected. It can also help dispel myths and misconceptions about these conditions.

Collaboration between the individual and employer is key to supporting adults with both ADHD and dyslexia. Regular communication and a consistent approach can help the individual feel supported and understood. It’s also important for individuals to understand their conditions and develop self-advocacy skills.

As awareness campaigns continue to shine a light on these conditions, it is crucial to expand the conversation to include the many people who live with both ADHD and Dyslexia. By doing so, we can better support these individuals, helping them navigate their challenges and reach their full potential. Understanding and addressing the intersection of ADHD and Dyslexia not only improves the lives of those affected but also contributes to a more inclusive and supportive society for all neurodiverse individuals.

You can find out more about dyslexia and book assessments at www.thisisdyslexia.co.uk.