The Symptom Crossover Of Dyslexia And ADHD

Have you ever wondered why your brain sometimes jumps from idea to idea, or why you can be ultra-focused one minute but easily distracted the next? When you add dyslexia into the mix, it can feel like an intense juggling act. In this episode of the Truth About Dyslexia podcast, we explore how ADHD and dyslexia overlap, why we hold onto certain beliefs so tightly, and what happens when we finally let them go.

Dyslexia and ADHD share many common threads. They can both affect focus, memory, and emotional regulation. Yet they also bring unique gifts, like heightened creativity and a strong sense of problem-solving. This episode dives into a key distinction about these conditions: fixed beliefs. We often cling to the idea that we'll always be “this way,” but it’s surprising how much we can grow when we loosen our grip.

Understanding the Overlap

Many of us with dyslexia find comfort in structured routines. Yet ADHD tends to challenge that structure at every turn. Perhaps you’ve experienced moments when you’re desperate for order, then frustrated that you can’t stick to the system you set up.

The podcast highlights that both dyslexia and ADHD can make maintaining consistency tricky. It’s not a fault or a failing. Sometimes it’s just a sign we need a better approach. We need to recognise that these conditions can coexist, and we can adapt instead of forcing ourselves to fit into a rigid box.

Letting Go of Fixed Beliefs

Rigid beliefs about ourselves can hold us back. For instance, you might believe, “I’ve never been organised so I’ll never manage it.” That belief becomes like a stubborn rule at the back of your mind.

Yet the truth is that people learn new strategies all the time. One tiny shift in perspective can open a door you never even noticed before. As mentioned in the episode:

"One day, I realised I’d been carrying an old belief for too long. The moment I let it go, so much changed for me."

This quote drove home the idea that we often decide who we are too early on. We collect evidence to support that identity instead of challenging it. When we finally challenge it, we find space to breathe and grow.

Practical Tips to Shift Your Mindset

You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight. But small steps can create real momentum. Worried that you’ll slip back into old habits? That’s normal. Here are a few steps to try:

• Question each negative belief. Ask yourself: Is this always true?
• Celebrate tiny wins. Maybe you organised your desk for just one day, but it’s still a victory.
• Seek simple solutions. Use reminders on your phone or keep notes where you’ll see them.
• Talk to a friend who “gets it.” Sharing might spark an idea or reassure you that you're not alone.

These steps help loosen the grip of ingrained beliefs. You don’t have to be perfect, just curious enough to find what works.

The Power of Self-Reflection

We often race ahead, jumping from one task to the next. But when we pause to reflect on how our brain processes the world, we notice patterns we never saw before. Reflection doesn’t have to be a grand ritual—just a few moments with a journal or a short voice note on your phone can give you useful insights.

If you spot yourself repeating the same story—like “I always fail at this”—try reframing it. Tell yourself you’re learning. Remind yourself that challenges are proof you're attempting something new. It’s less about forcing positivity and more about admitting you’re in motion.

Staying Curious and Embracing Neurodiversities

Our world is filled with unique thinkers. Dyslexia, ADHD, and other neurodiversities aren’t just conditions to manage. They can be powerful tools for fresh ideas, imaginative solutions, and empathy towards others who struggle in similar ways.

When you let go of the idea that one size must fit all, you expand your view. Embracing your differences doesn’t mean ignoring them. It means recognising how they can fuel your strengths and teaming up with people who fill in the gaps. Chances are you’ll find more success and fulfilment than if you battled alone.

Key Takeaways

• Dyslexia and ADHD often overlap, so be open to exploring both.
• Fixed beliefs about “always” and “never” can limit growth.
• Small mindset shifts can lead to lasting change.
• Seeking out simple habits can counteract distractions.
• Reflection and curiosity open doors you didn’t know existed.

Curious to hear more? Listen to the full episode at the top of this page and dive deeper into how letting go of fixed beliefs could transform your life. You might just find the spark you’ve been looking for.