Name
Bright Minds, Struggling Readers: Understanding the ADHD Dyslexia Learning Overlap
Description
Bright students with ADHD and dyslexia are often misunderstood. When attention regulation and reading challenges intersect, it can create a confusing picture for parents and educators. A child who appears distracted during reading may actually be struggling to decode words. A student who rushes through assignments may be working hard to avoid the frustration that reading requires. Without a clear understanding of how ADHD and dyslexia interact, these students are often misinterpreted as careless, unmotivated, or not trying hard enough. Research suggests that 30–50% of individuals with dyslexia also meet criteria for ADHD. When both conditions are present, challenges with working memory, attention regulation, decoding, and reading fluency can compound one another and significantly affect learning, confidence, and classroom behavior. This session explores the intersection of ADHD and dyslexia through the lens of executive function and reading development. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how these conditions differ, why they frequently co-occur, and how overlapping symptoms can lead to delayed identification and missed support. Drawing on research and real-world examples, this presentation will help parents and educators better recognize signs of overlapping ADHD and dyslexia and support students academically while protecting confidence, motivation, and long-term identity as capable learners.
Cindy Goldrich
Track
Parents & Caregivers
Date & Time
Friday, December 4, 2026, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM