Coping Strategy #16: Do You Need One More….

Finding out about dyslexia can be life-changing, but what if you discover there’s more to your unique wiring? In this episode, we explore how being both dyslexic and having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can offer deeper insight into everyday challenges. You’ll hear about the power of understanding your brain’s quirks and how it can give you a whole new outlook on study, work and relationships.

If you’ve ever felt like something extra is going on, this conversation might answer many of your burning questions. It’s a thoughtful look at the overlap between dyslexia and ADHD, backed by personal stories, humor and practical perspectives on harnessing both for growth.

Realising the ADHD-Dyslexia Connection

It can be a shock when you learn you don’t just have one hidden superpower but two. For me, hearing the words “you have ADHD” triggered a range of emotions. Relief, confusion and even excitement all bubbled to the surface.

“When I got this it changed my life … again. When I found out I was not just dyslexic but had ADHD as well it allows me to understand what was happening at a deeper level.”

That’s how it felt for me and many others. It’s not just another label. It can be a key to unlocking parts of your life you never fully understood.

Understanding What’s Really Going On

Dyslexia affects how we process language. ADHD impacts focus, impulse control and how we manage daily tasks. These conditions often work in tandem, sometimes making it harder to see each one clearly. If you’ve struggled with forgetfulness, time management or feeling mentally scattered, you may relate to more than one trait.

ADHD doesn’t show up the same way for everyone. Some get restless and struggle to sit still. Others have constant mind chatter that makes focusing tough. When dyslexia and ADHD combine, it can feel like juggling ten balls while balancing on a surfboard.

• Trouble with organisation can get magnified.
• Reading or writing becomes extra draining.
• Procrastination piles up and leads to stress.
• Attention drifts to new ideas before you finish old ones.

Why Diagnosis Brings Relief

Before I was diagnosed with both, I thought I was just lazy or disorganised. Turns out, my brain was busy rerouting information in ways I never understood. Doors opened when I discovered there was a natural reason for it all.

Some people worry about “labels,” but I see them as guidelines for your mind. A clear ADHD diagnosis often explains those lifelong feelings of being stuck or daydreamy. It helps when you can say, “Ah, that makes sense.” From there, you can try better strategies to cope, because you finally know what you’re dealing with.

Practical Steps Forward

Once you’ve realised you may have ADHD as well as dyslexia, what’s next? Start by seeking professional advice. A specialist can help you confirm if ADHD is part of your picture. Then you can try various approaches to manage it more effectively.

I also recommend watching this video if you suspect ADHD or want to learn more:

Do you have ADHD? This video will help.

After that, it’s about daily experimentation. Everyone’s neurology is different, so what works for me might not work for you. But here are a few tips I’ve found helpful:

• Use reminders or apps to track tasks and appointments.
• Break work into small, quick-win sessions so you don’t lose momentum.
• Try gamifying your harder tasks by rewarding yourself when you complete them.
• Build a support system of friends, family or online groups who “get it.”

Key Takeaways

• ADHD and dyslexia often overlap, which can make life feel more intense.
• Confirmation of ADHD can provide a sense of relief and a fresh way forward.
• Daily tactics and a bit of experimentation can lessen overwhelm.
• Seeking community support helps you feel less alone.

Looking for more detail on what it’s like to discover you’re not just dyslexic but ADHD as well? Tune in to the full episode in the player above for my personal stories, practical insights and a good dose of reassurance.