Dyslexia And Adhd In Adults

Ever found yourself fidgeting with your pen in a long meeting, then wondered if everyone else does the same? That’s exactly what happened to me when a friend casually mentioned his ADHD and how foot-tapping was a telltale sign. It lit a spark in my mind, and I dove into what ADHD could mean in my life.

In this episode, we explore the link between ADHD and dyslexia. We look at how a simple chat led me to my own diagnosis and why it’s so common to see both conditions together. We also talk about practical ways to get clarity if you suspect ADHD, and how to manage it day-to-day in work and life.

Recognising ADHD Early

I never questioned whether I had ADHD until late in my adult life. For years, I chalked up my restlessness to just being “high energy.” When a mate told me he’d just been diagnosed and mentioned certain habits, something clicked. I suddenly realised I was doing many of those things.

It can be little signs, like always needing to move your feet, or feeling like time stands still during boring tasks. You might blame a short attention span, but this can shine a light on ADHD. If you’re dyslexic, you might mix up letters or lose focus, which can overlap with ADHD even more.

The ADHD & Dyslexia Overlap

It’s no coincidence that ADHD and dyslexia show up together so often. Both revolve around how our brains process information. Dyslexia often involves challenges with reading or spelling, while ADHD can affect attention, hyperactivity or impulse control.

In my case, dyslexia made me see patterns differently. ADHD made me want to speed things up. Combine them, and you get a puzzle that’s sometimes tricky to solve. Yet once you understand that puzzle, life makes more sense.

Seeking a Diagnosis

Once I realised something was up, I decided to look into a formal diagnosis. It started with a simple online search, then some videos and eventually chatting with a specialist. It turned out my hunch was correct.

“He said one of the things that he learned was that if you find yourself tapping your foot in meetings or at boring times, it’s a common sign of ADHD. It’s like you are trying to speed up a super slow situation.”

This line stuck with me. It was exactly what I would do whenever something felt dull or endless. A diagnosis explained it all and gave me a sense of relief.

Living with ADHD

Understanding ADHD was a big shift. It helped me see how my mind is wired. If you have dyslexia, you might focus on one challenge and miss the rest. Yet ADHD can sneak in, making it even harder to stay still or follow tasks in order.

For me, daily life changed after acknowledging both conditions. I started trying new ways to stay organised—like setting timers, using simple checklists and breaking big tasks into smaller steps. I also learned to embrace my need for movement. Now, if I have to move around, I just go for a quick walk.

• Short bursts of focused work can help spare you from fidgeting.
• Time-blocking is useful if you lose focus easily.
• Asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s wise.
• Rewards, even small ones, can keep you motivated.

Our brains are wonderful, but sometimes we need to work with them instead of fighting them.

Key Takeaways

• ADHD and dyslexia often go hand in hand.
• Small signs, like constant fidgeting, can point to ADHD.
• A formal diagnosis can bring real clarity.
• Practical strategies are available to manage symptoms.
• It’s okay to seek help and explore your options.

If this sparks your curiosity, you’ll want to hear the full story in the latest episode of the podcast. There’s more insight on how ADHD and dyslexia collide in adult life, plus tips on where to start if you suspect ADHD might be part of your journey.

Go ahead and tune in to the episode—just scroll up and hit play. You might recognise more of your own story than you expect.