ADHD and Reading Difficulties: What You Need to Know

Hey there! Let me ask you something have you ever sat down to read a book or article, only to find your mind wandering off after just a few sentences? Or maybe you've read the same paragraph three times and still can't quite grasp what it's saying? If this sounds familiar, you're definitely not alone, and there might be a perfectly logical explanation for what's happening.

As someone who's spent years working with people navigating the unique challenges of ADHD, I've seen firsthand how reading can feel like an uphill battle for many of us. But here's the thing it's not that we can't read. It's that our brains process information differently, and understanding this difference is the first step toward finding what works for you.

Understanding the Connection

Let's get real for a moment. There's this persistent myth floating around that people with ADHD simply aren't "natural readers." Some folks assume we're not focused enough or don't care enough to actually understand what we're reading. But that couldn't be further from the truth, and I think it's time we cleared the air about this.

The reality is that ADHD and reading difficulties often go hand in hand, but not because reading is impossible far from it! It's more about how our brains work when we're processing written information. Think of it like trying to tune into a radio station that keeps switching frequencies. Your brain is capable of receiving the signal, but it's working overtime to stay locked in.

Those racing thoughts you experience? They're competing with the words on the page. That distractibility that makes focusing on one thing so challenging? It's making it nearly impossible to follow a narrative thread or remember what happened in the previous paragraph. And let's not forget about working memory that mental notepad that helps us hold onto information while we process new details. For many of us with ADHD, that notepad seems to have a mind of its own, constantly erasing important information just when we need it most.

The Reality Check: What This Actually Looks Like

You know what's really frustrating? Sometimes the reading struggles of ADHD can be completely invisible to the outside world. I've worked with teenagers who can read aloud flawlessly but draw a complete blank when asked to summarize what they just read. I've seen adults who breeze through emails but get overwhelmed by a three-page article.

For kids and teens with ADHD, reading challenges might look like:

Symptom	Effect on Reading
Difficulty focusing	Rereading lines without realizing it
Poor working memory	Missing the big picture or key ideas
Hyperactivity	Fidgeting instead of finishing chapters

Parents, does this sound familiar? Your child might skip over entire paragraphs, avoid reading altogether ("it's boring!"), take forever to finish reading assignments, or struggle to summarize what they've just read. What's particularly confusing is that many of these kids have excellent verbal skills they can explain complex ideas in conversation, but their written work doesn't reflect that same level of understanding.

And for adults? Oh boy, I've heard so many stories that made me nod along in recognition. Have you ever read ten pages of a book and suddenly realized you have no idea what actually happened? Or found yourself re-reading the same sentence over and over, but the words just don't seem to stick? It's like your eyes are reading, but your brain is taking a vacation. Trust me, you're not alone in this experience.

Here's something that always amazes me even adults who turn to audiobooks for relief still find themselves zoning out. You'd think that removing the visual element would help, but those same challenges with attention and working memory can make it difficult to follow along with spoken content too.

Breaking Down the Science

Now, let's talk about something really important. Research has shown that ADHD doesn't exist in isolation when it comes to reading challenges. A 2024 study found that up to 25% of kids with ADHD also have a reading disability. This isn't just about struggling to focus while reading it's about genuinely having difficulty processing written language.

One thing researchers have identified is something called Specific Reading Comprehension Deficit (S-RCD). This is when someone can decode words perfectly they can sound out any text you put in front of them but they just can't make sense of what they're reading. It's like having a perfect GPS system that can tell you exactly how to get somewhere, but you never actually arrive at your destination because you keep getting distracted along the way.

How can you tell what's really going on? Here's a quick tip that's helped countless families: if someone reads smoothly aloud but can't answer basic questions about what they just read, that's often a sign of comprehension issues rather than decoding problems. It's a subtle but important distinction that can make all the difference in finding the right kind of help.

Strategies That Actually Make a Difference

Alright, let's get into the good stuff practical strategies that can transform your reading experience. Because yes, there are definitely things you can do to make reading more manageable and enjoyable.

First things first: reading shouldn't be a passive activity when you have ADHD. I know, I know that's probably not what you were taught in school. But think about it this way if your brain is naturally wired to seek stimulation and engagement, why wouldn't you give it that stimulation while reading?

Try making reading an active experience:

• Underline or highlight the main points (but resist the urge to highlight everything that defeats the purpose!)
• Jot down your thoughts on sticky notes as you go literally have a conversation with the text
• Talk back to what you're reading ask questions, make comments, argue with the author if you disagree
• Break the material into smaller chunks tackle a few pages at a time rather than trying to power through everything at once

Here's a pro tip that I love sharing: use a bookmark to guide your finger as you read line by line. It might seem kind of elementary, but it gives your eyes something concrete to follow and can dramatically reduce the chance of losing your place or skipping lines.

Your environment matters more than you might think. I always tell people to set themselves up for success:

• Put your phone upside-down in another room (seriously, face-down on your desk isn't enough)
• Clean your desk before you start reading physical clutter creates mental clutter
• Experiment with fidgeting while reading hold something small in your hands or gently rock your foot
• Read when your energy is highest don't try to tackle difficult material when you're tired

I have to share this story because it always makes me smile. I worked with a client who absolutely hated reading nonfiction until she discovered that listening to instrumental music while pacing back and forth transformed her entire experience. Her productivity shot up overnight, and reading actually became something she looked forward to. Sometimes the most effective solutions are the ones that seem a little unconventional.

Tech Tools That Can Change Everything

Let's be honest in our digital age, fighting technology is like trying to put toothpaste back in the tube. Instead of resisting it, why not use it to your advantage? There are so many fantastic tools out there designed specifically to help people with ADHD navigate reading challenges.

Consider these options:

Tool/Strategy	Benefit
Audiobooks	Perfect if decoding is challenging
Read-aloud features	Supports slower readers without embarrassment
Book summaries	Fast tracking main ideas
Timer apps (Pomodoro)	Manage short, powerful bursts of focus

I always recommend experimenting with different formats. Some people find that reading on paper helps them retain information better than screens, while others feel the opposite. There's no right or wrong answer it's all about what works for your brain.

And here's something that's backed by research medication can play a role too. A clinical trial found that treating ADHD symptoms often led to improved reading fluency in children. Butand this is importantmedication alone isn't a magic solution. The real breakthrough happens when you combine proper treatment with tailored interventions and strategies.

What I find fascinating is how much cognitive awareness can help. Many adults with ADHD don't realize that the goal isn't to read faster it's to understand better. Teaching metacognition (basically, thinking about how you think) helps people recognize when they're off track and take corrective action before they get too far down the wrong path.

If You're a Parent: Your Support Matters

If you're a parent reading this, I want you to know something you're not helpless here. There are concrete steps you can take to support your child's reading journey, and starting early makes a huge difference.

The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes that screening for learning disabilities should happen early, especially if your child has ADHD. Now, I know what you're thinking getting schools to move quickly on evaluations can be like pulling teeth. If you're hitting roadblocks, don't hesitate to ask for outside referrals. Your child's success is worth advocating for.

Classroom accommodations can be game-changers:

• Having books read aloud to them
• Extended time on tests and reading tasks
• Visual organizers that guide comprehension

The best teachers I've worked with teach "fix-up strategies" like re-reading confusing parts or adjusting pace when things stop making sense. These aren't cheating they're smart learning techniques that successful readers use all the time.

Breaking Through Emotional Barriers

I have to be honest with you sometimes the emotional side of reading struggles is the hardest part to address. There's this quiet shame that many of us carry around, like we're somehow failing at something that "should" be easy. But here's what I want you to remember you're not failing. You're simply navigating challenges differently, and that's perfectly okay.

Talking openly about your struggles can be incredibly freeing. When you normalize conversations about your reading challenges, you're not just seeking help you're also breaking down stigma for others who might be going through the same thing. There's power in saying, "Hey, I'm learning how to use new tools to get through books," because it opens the door for real support and connection.

We all need a team that helps us thrive not shame us for going too slow or doing things differently. You don't read wrong. You're just catching up using new tools, and that's something to celebrate, not hide.

Looking Forward: This Is Absolutely Workable

Here's where I want to leave you with hope, because that's what this whole journey is about. ADHD and reading difficulties come with unique challenges, but they're absolutely workable. It's not about changing who you are it's about understanding how your brain works and finding strategies that align with your natural strengths.

Whether it's walking while you read, taking micro-breaks, using graphic organizers, or working with a specialist, the right approaches are out there waiting for you. The key is to find what fits your personality, your lifestyle, and your specific attention patterns.

Don't give up try different approaches, celebrate small wins, and remember that progress isn't always linear. Some days reading will feel easier than others, and that's completely normal. What matters is that you keep showing up, keep trying, and keep believing that improvement is possible.

You've got this. Really I mean that. And if you're reading this and thinking about someone in your life who might benefit from these insights, go ahead and share it. There's nothing quite like knowing you're not alone in this journey, and sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is remind each other that struggling doesn't mean failing.

Keep reading, keep growing, and remember it's perfectly okay to win slow.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.