Dyslexia And Adhd/ The Real Daddy Issues

Ever felt like your brain is juggling more than it can handle? That might be a hint you’re dealing with not one but two unseen companions. In this episode, we dive into how dyslexia and ADHD often show up hand-in-hand. They can supercharge each other in both challenging and surprising ways. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when your mind seems to go a mile a minute, but there’s a path toward self-understanding and acceptance.

Stephen Martin explores why many of us overlook the connection between dyslexia and ADHD. He shares how it can affect day-to-day tasks, from reading a text without nodding off to channelling bursts of creativity when least expected. This conversation shines a light on the importance of discovering what works best for your neurodiverse mind—whether it’s routines, tools, or pure acceptance.

The Overlooked Connection

Dyslexia is often seen as a reading and spelling challenge, while ADHD is linked to focus and impulsivity. It’s no surprise many people fail to spot the link between the two, yet they co-occur pretty frequently.

When you catch the “double whammy,” your executive functioning can take a hit. That means managing tasks, remembering details, and staying consistent can feel twice as hard. You may fly through a project in hyper-focus mode, only to crash later because you’ve used up all your mental energy.

“It’s so easy to overlook how ADHD and dyslexia can show up together, since the world rarely talks about them in the same breath.”

The Perfectionism Trap

Dealing with ADHD can make you hyper-aware of time slipping through your fingers. Dyslexia can add an extra layer of self-criticism, like when you reread the same line multiple times. Mix in perfectionism, and you’ve got a recipe for burnout.

Being perfect is impossible. Though you might give a task everything you’ve got, inevitably something falls through the cracks. This can lead you down a spiral of frustration and shame. Remember, your quirks are part of your varied brain. Sometimes, letting a little imperfection in creates space for self-kindness.

Reading and Listening Fatigue

Reading can be a real drain for those with dyslexia. You might find audiobooks or podcasts more helpful, yet even they can wear you out if you’re also coping with ADHD. Your mind might wander partway in, then realise you’ve missed important info.

It’s all about knowing your limits—maybe set shorter reading times or take breaks when listening to longer materials. If you notice you’re flagging, don’t push too far. Recharging your brain is vital, and it helps you return to the task with clearer focus.

The Upside of Creative Thinking

Dyslexia can come with out-of-the-box thinking, while ADHD can deliver random bursts of motivation. Put them together, and you may find yourself popping up with ideas others would never think of. You might jump from one brilliant concept to another, weaving a tapestry of creativity along the way.

This can be a gift if you learn to manage your time and energy. Find structure that supports your bursts of inspiration. Don’t force yourself to stick to rigid planning if it stifles your spark. Instead, create space for those random mind leaps. The payoff can be amazing.

Embracing Your Neurodiverse Brain

If your brain is wired differently, it’s key to experiment with systems and routines that cater to your style. This could mean using audiobooks, speech-to-text apps, or even setting multiple alarms. The point is finding what anchors you.

Self-acceptance plays a massive role. It’s easy to think something’s wrong with you when you struggle to do tasks that seem effortless for others. Truth is, it’s just a different way of processing the world.

When you recognise that your needs aren’t a flaw, you can begin to work with yourself rather than against yourself. That shift in perspective can be eye-opening, especially if you’ve spent a long time trying to fit a “traditional” mould that was never designed for you.

• Don’t ignore signs that you might have two conditions at once.
• Perfectionism can be exhausting, so let it go sometimes.
• Reading or listening fatigue is real—take breaks and recharge.
• Hyper-focus can be a superpower if you channel it wisely.
• Creative sparks often arise when ADHD meets dyslexia.

Want to hear the full story from Stephen Martin? Listen to this episode (you’ll find the player above) to discover more tips on living with ADHD and dyslexia in harmony.

If you’d like more resources and community support, visit truthaboutdyslexia.com for in-depth insights. You can also join our Facebook Group at facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia to meet others on the same journey.

Ready to support your mind and body further? Follow the RightSiders Supplement Journey by joining the waitlist at rightsiders.org/wait-list. You’re not alone, and there’s nothing wrong with your brain. It’s just wired differently.