Funny Dyslexia & ADHD Moments With Andrée Kenny

Do you ever find yourself mixing up words or accidentally texting the wrong person, then wondering if you’re the only one who does things like that? You’re not alone. In the latest episode of our podcast, we dive into the funny side of dyslexia and ADHD with André and me (Stephen). It’s a light-hearted chat about laughing at our own clumsy moments, learning from mishaps, and reminding ourselves that these quirks are part of who we are.

We share stories of unexpected slip-ups, like misheard song lyrics and booking the wrong dates for events. We talk about how important it is to roll with these moments instead of letting them define our day. The goal is to embrace laughter and camaraderie, so every one of us with dyslexia or ADHD feels a little less alone.

Embracing the Clumsy Moments

If, like me, you’ve ever poured orange juice into your cereal because you thought it was milk, you know exactly how jarring silly mistakes can be. They strike when you least expect them and can leave you feeling flustered. But here’s the thing: those harmless blunders are also reminders of our uniqueness.

In the episode, André and I swap stories about tripping over our own feet, sending the oddest texts, or stumbling into the wrong Zoom call. These moments used to be painful memories of everything that felt “wrong” with us. Now, we look back and realise they were also gateways to self-compassion. Instead of judging ourselves harshly, we started seeing these mishaps as proof that our brains are simply wired differently.

“Sometimes I’ll walk into a room and forget why I’m there, and it’s so funny to me now because I give myself permission to stop, breathe, and regroup.” — Stephen

Learning to Laugh at Ourselves

We often forget how cathartic laughter can be. Some days, it’s the simplest antidote to frustration. During our chat, we opened up about how cracking a joke or teasing ourselves gently changes the way we handle challenging situations.

One of our favourite tactics is to swap comedic tales. André shared how he once mixed up song lyrics in front of a group of friends, who all burst into laughter at his creative take. Instead of feeling embarrassed, he joined in and turned it into a spotlight moment. That’s the power of humour: it can transform embarrassment into connection.

When you can laugh with yourself, you show a level of acceptance that says, “This is me, and that’s OK.” It keeps the mood light and makes it easier to bounce back from awkward incidents.

Making Mix-Ups Less Stressful

It’s not always easy to accept your own flubs. Many of us have spent years trying to hide them or smooth them over. But we found solutions that help us move forward:

• Pause before hitting send: Whether it’s a text or an email, take an extra second to re-read it. This won’t catch everything, but it saves us from the worst mix-ups.
• Keep notes handy: If you easily forget meeting times (or the correct date for a special event), keep a digital calendar with reminders that ping you before it’s too late.
• Ask for help: Sometimes it’s easier to double-check with a friend or colleague, “Does this message make sense to you?” Then hit send with confidence.

These steps might seem simple, but they help us slow down. Our mistakes haven’t disappeared entirely, yet we’ve learned to minimise their impact and stress less when they happen.

Why These Stories Matter

Some people think you have to take everything in life seriously. We say there’s a real need to accept, laugh, and share our bungles. By being open, we show others with dyslexia or ADHD they’re not isolated in these experiences.

Your story might resonate with someone else who’s too scared to admit their struggles. Hearing you share your misread texts or the time you walked into the wrong conference can ease their fear. Together, we build a community where slip-ups become less shameful and more humorous. That’s something we all need.

If you’re reading this and find it oddly comforting, then we’ve done our job. We want every adult with dyslexia, ADHD, or any other invisible difference to feel understood and valued. Don’t think of your mistakes as personal flaws—think of them as part of your human experience.

• Embrace the “oops” moments and try to stay calm.
• Switch embarrassment to curiosity—ask yourself what you can learn from each new story.
• Laugh, share your own mix-ups, and let others join in the fun.

It’s amazing how a small shift in perspective can lift the weight. When we accept the lighter side of life, we feel more at peace. Laughter shouldn’t replace getting help or seeking strategies to manage dyslexia and ADHD, but it can work as a powerful complement.

Takeaways

• Embrace and accept your funny stories.
• Find ways to solve issues and learn from each mix-up.
• Enjoy laughing at yourself once in a while.
• Share your experiences to help others feel connected.

We covered these topics in detail on the podcast above, so be sure to give it a listen. There’s also more support and information on our website, truthaboutdyslexia.com. If you’d like a friendly community filled with people who understand these hiccups, join us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia.

Hit that play button to hear André and I share our personal mishaps. We promise you’ll leave with a smile—and maybe a story or two of your own to share.