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.

“I’m Not Broken — I’m Built Differently”

What if the things you were told were weaknesses are actually signs you were built for a different kind of work?

In this identity-defining episode of The Dyslexic Signal, Lauren reframes dyslexia—not as a learning problem to fix, but as a strategic, creative way of thinking that has been misunderstood for far too long.

This episode is for the dyslexic adult who:

• Thinks in big pictures but struggles with linear systems
• Feels inconsistent, drained, or “too much” in traditional work environments
• Has been praised for intelligence yet criticized for execution
• Knows they’re capable of more—but can’t explain why things feel harder than they should

Through personal insight and grounded reflection, Lauren explains what dyslexia actually looks like in a strategic, creative adult—and why many dyslexic people burn out trying to play roles they were never designed for.

This is not a motivational speech. It’s a clarity episode.

What You’ll Get From This Episode

By the end of this episode, listeners will:

• Understand why dyslexia often shows up as vision, synthesis, and systems thinking
• Learn the difference between a work ethic problem and a role misalignment
• Gain language to describe their strengths to employers, teams, or family
• Feel validated—not fixed
• Begin shifting from self-blame to self-alignment

Most importantly, listeners will walk away with this truth:

You are not broken. You are built differently—and that difference has value.

This episode is a signal—for anyone ready to stop forcing themselves into boxes that don’t fit.

Ideal Listener: Dyslexic adults

• Neurodivergent professionals
• Creatives, founders, strategists, and system thinkers
• Anyone questioning where they belong in work or life

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.

Episode 11 – "Rewiring the Classroom: How Schools Can Better Support Neurodiverse Students." Host Lauren Divine dives deep into the heart of education reform with Dr. Peterson, an educational psychologist and neurodiversity advocate. Together, they explore how schools can move beyond basic accommodations to truly empower every kind of learner.

Listeners will discover:

• Practical classroom strategies for teachers to support neurodiverse students
• Real-life success stories that show inclusion in action
• How policies and systemic changes can build equitable learning environments
• Tools and technologies that amplify learning strengths rather than highlight weaknesses

This episode offers a heartfelt conversation filled with hope, humanity, and hands-on solutions—perfect for educators, parents, and anyone who believes every brain deserves to shine.

What Listeners Will Gain

By tuning in, you'll learn how to:

• Advocate effectively for neurodiverse students in schools.
• Use Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to reach more learners.
• Recognize and nurture the hidden strengths in dyslexic and ADHD students.
• Build empathy and understanding in classrooms through collaboration.

Continue the Journey with Lauren's Books on Dyslexia

For more insights and real-world guidance, explore Lauren's empowering books on dyslexia — both filled with stories, strategies, and hope for families and educators:

• Dyslexia: The Hidden Superpowerhttps: https://a.co/d/bk7FBdU
• Teaching the Hidden Learner: How to Unlock the Brilliance in Every Student https://a.co/d/8xpmQ4o

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.

Title: Breaking the Barriers: A Conversation with Entrepreneur Maya Torres | The Dyslexic Signal Ep. 10

In this inspiring episode, Lauren sits down with Maya Torres, a creative entrepreneur who turned her dyslexia into her greatest strength. Hear Maya's story of resilience, innovation, and self-belief — and learn how thinking differently can become your superpower.

What You'll Learn:

• How dyslexia can fuel creativity and leadership
• How to overcome fear and embrace your uniqueness
• Why different thinkers are shaping the future

Watch now and be reminded that your difference is your gift! #TheDyslexicSignal #LaurenDivine #DyslexiaAwareness #Motivation

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.

Have you ever carried the weight of invisible chains — shame, self-doubt, or the fear of being "not enough"? In this powerful 60-minute episode of The Dyslexic Signal, Lauren dives deep into the emotional journey of living with dyslexia and the transformative power of self-acceptance.

Through personal reflections, real-world stories, and expert insights, we'll explore:

• The invisible chains that hold dyslexic individuals back
• Stories of struggle and breakthrough from real people
• Research on self-compassion, reframing, and resilience
• Practical steps to embrace your dyslexic identity with pride.

This episode is honest and uplifting—a reminder that dyslexia is not a limitation but a different way of experiencing the world. Whether you're an adult living with dyslexia, a parent supporting a child with dyslexia, or an educator seeking insight, this conversation will inspire and empower you.

Takeaway Challenge: Write a letter to your younger self, reminding them that they are enough, they are brilliant, and their story is far from over.

Don't forget to subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs encouragement, and join the conversation in the comments below.

The Dyslexic Signal – Shining light on hidden challenges, unseen strengths, and the courage to break free.

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.

In this episode of The Dyslexic Signal, host Lauren explores how the very struggles of dyslexia can become sources of strength. From resilience and creativity to big-picture thinking and empathy, Lauren shares her personal journey and the hidden powers many dyslexic minds hold.

You’ll discover practical strategies to reframe challenges, embrace helpful tools, and celebrate the unique strengths dyslexia can bring. Whether you’ve been diagnosed recently, have lived with dyslexia for years, or are supporting someone who does, this episode is a reminder that dyslexia is not a limitation — it’s a different way of shining.

Takeaway: Your struggles don’t define you — they refine you.

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.