Why ADHD and Dyslexia Often Co-Occur: Understanding the Overlap & How Brain Trai

1. Why ADHD and Dyslexia Often Co-Occur: Understanding the Overlap & How Brain Training Helps The Brain Accelerator

3. Children who struggle with both attention and reading can often feel like the system doesn’t quite fit them and understandably so. Research now shows that Attention‑Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Dyslexia don’t just happen to show up together by chance—they frequently co-occur because of shared underlying brain differences. The Overlap Explained New genetic studies reveal that the same biological pathways contribute both to attention and learning difficulties like ADHD and reading challenges like dyslexia. In fact, children with ADHD are significantly more likely to also have dyslexia or another reading disorder. Why does this matter? Because treatment that addresses only one diagnosis may miss the root cause of the other, prolonging frustration and slow progress. Common Signs to look for If your child is showing signs of both inattention and reading difficulty, look out for: Trouble sustaining focus, frequent distractibility (ADHD symptoms) Slow decoding of words, confusing letters, or reading with guesswork (Dyslexia symptoms) Together, these can produce a cycle: attention lapses make reading harder, and reading frustration fuels more inattention. ● ● ●

4. Why Brain Training Makes a Difference At The Brain Accelerator, we don’t just teach reading or behavior techniques. We train the brain. When ADHD and dyslexia overlap, you need strength in foundational cognitive skills like: Working memory Processing speed Auditory and visual processing Attention control ● ● ● ● Our brain-training programs target these areas, helping children build the capacity to pay attention AND decode language fluently. What to Do Next If you notice these overlapping signs, here’s a simple next step: 1. 2. 3. Get an assessment of both attention skills and reading/processing skills. Choose a program that addresses both reading and attention/processing (not just one or the other). Monitor not only reading accuracy but also focus, confidence, and enjoyment. Final Thought The fact that ADHD and dyslexia often walk hand in hand doesn’t mean a child is “doubly doomed,” it means they need support that understands this brain-based overlap. At The Brain Accelerator in Dubai, we specialize in programs that embrace both. Strengthening the brain means stronger reading, better focus, and more confident learners. Book your free cognitive skills assessment at The Brain Accelerator and let’s find the right path forward together.