Difficulty concentrating, forgetting instructions, avoiding reading, and struggling to complete tasks can appear in both dyslexia and ADHD—but the underlying reasons may be different.

In this episode of The Dyslexic Signal, Lauren Divine and Harrison Cole explain the similarities and important differences between dyslexia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Learn how dyslexia primarily affects reading, decoding, and spelling, while ADHD involves persistent difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, or a combination of these symptoms.

The episode also explores how dyslexia and ADHD can occur together, why one does not cause the other, and why only a qualified professional should provide a diagnosis.

Who This Episode Is For

Dyslexic adults and adolescents, people with or exploring ADHD, parents, caregivers, students, educators, employers, and anyone seeking a clearer understanding of these conditions.

Disclaimer

This podcast provides general educational information and lived experience. It does not diagnose dyslexia, ADHD, or any other condition and is not a substitute for an individualized professional evaluation. Attention, memory, reading, organization, and behavioral difficulties can have several causes. Consult an appropriately qualified healthcare, psychological, or educational professional for personal guidance.

Resources

• CDC: Diagnosing ADHD
• CDC: ADHD in Adults
• International Dyslexia Association: ADHD and Dyslexia
• International Dyslexia Association: Dyslexia Basics
• AAP: ADHD Clinical Practice Guideline
• Comorbidity of Reading Disabilities and ADHD
• High Rates of Comorbidity Among Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Understand the signal. Reduce the shame. Make the next step possible.

Have you ever understood the goal but forgotten the steps before you could begin? In this episode of The Dyslexic Signal, we explore how verbal working memory may affect directions, appointments, studying, and conversations.

Learn why forgetting instructions does not necessarily mean someone is lazy, careless, or not listening. This episode explains working memory in plain language and offers practical strategies, including written directions, checklists, calendar reminders, active studying, repeating instructions, and creating more processing space during conversations.

Who This Episode Is For

This episode is for:

• Dyslexic adults and adolescents
• Students
• Parents and caregivers
• Teachers and school professionals
• Employers, managers, and coworkers
• Anyone who wants to understand dyslexia and working memory better

Not every dyslexic person experiences working-memory difficulties, and memory problems can have many different causes. This episode presents research alongside lived experience without suggesting that one experience applies to everyone.

Disclaimer:

This podcast provides general educational information and lived experience. It is not intended to diagnose dyslexia, memory disorders, ADHD, or any other condition, and it is not a substitute for individualized medical, psychological, or educational advice. Anyone experiencing new, severe, or worsening memory problems should consult an appropriate healthcare professional.

Resources

• Working Memory Profiles of Children With Dyslexia, Developmental Language Disorder, or Both
• Lived Experiences of Everyday Memory in Adults With Dyslexia
• Memory Deficits in Children With Developmental Dyslexia
• Phonological Working Memory and Central Executive Function in Children With Dyslexia
• International Dyslexia Association: Working Memory—The Engine for Learning
• International Dyslexia Association: Accommodations for Students With Dyslexia

Understand the signal. Reduce the shame. Make the next step possible.

Dyslexia: Beyond Reading and Behavior

Dyslexia is more than a reading difficulty. In this episode, we explore how dyslexia can affect communication, confidence, memory, emotions, behavior, and everyday life.

We challenge common misconceptions, explain why dyslexic behaviors are often misunderstood, and highlight the creativity, resilience, problem-solving, and unique strengths of dyslexic thinkers.

Dyslexia is not a lack of intelligence—it is a different way of thinking, learning, and experiencing the world.

Disclaimer

This podcast provides general educational information and lived experience. It is not intended to diagnose dyslexia, memory disorders, ADHD, or any other condition, and it is not a substitute for individualized medical, psychological, or educational advice. Anyone experiencing new, severe, or worsening memory problems should consult an appropriate healthcare professional.