Dyslexia vs ADHD: Understanding the Overlap and Getting the Right Diagnosis for Your Child in Canada
- andeh asong
- Aug 1
- 5 min read
Table of contents
Parenting a child who struggles with reading, attention, or learning can feel overwhelming. You may notice your child having trouble focusing, falling behind in reading, or getting frustrated with schoolwork. Sometimes, these challenges point to conditions like dyslexia or ADHD — and often, parents wonder if it could be one, the other, or both.
This guide will help you understand the similarities and differences between dyslexia and ADHD, walk you through the diagnostic process in Canada, and explain why getting the right diagnosis matters.
The Overlap: Why It's So Easy to Confuse the Two
Shared Classroom Struggles
Both dyslexia and ADHD can lead to inattention, frustration, and difficulty completing schoolwork. A child with dyslexia might appear distracted because decoding takes so much effort, while a child with ADHD might struggle to stay focused even if they can decode words easily.
Executive Function Challenges
Executive functions like working memory, task organization, and time management often suffer in both conditions. This overlap complicates identifying which condition is the root cause of challenges.
The "Chicken or the Egg" Scenario
Sometimes, reading difficulties can cause a child to seem inattentive or disengaged, while inattentiveness can prevent a child from building strong reading skills. The two can feed into each other, making a clear diagnosis crucial.
When They Occur Together: The Comorbidity Factor
Research shows that about 30–50% of children with ADHD also have dyslexia. Having both can amplify learning struggles, making reading and attention challenges more severe and complex.
A dual diagnosis ensures that interventions target both sets of challenges — essential for helping your child succeed.
Key Differences Between Dyslexia and ADHD
Though they share some signs, dyslexia and ADHD are distinct conditions with different root causes and impacts on learning.
What Is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a language-based learning difference that primarily affects reading. It makes it hard for kids to recognize and decode words, which slows down reading and hampers understanding. Dyslexia is not related to intelligence. Many people with dyslexia are highly creative and smart, but need specialized teaching methods to read effectively.
Primary Symptoms of Dyslexia
Kids with dyslexia often struggle with:
Decoding words and recognizing spelling patterns
Phonological processing: hearing and manipulating the sounds in words
Reading slowly and with effort
Difficulty recalling words and spelling correctly
Challenges with reading comprehension due to decoding struggles
What Is ADHD?
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulse control, and executive functioning. This impacts the brain's "management system" that helps with organizing, planning, and staying focused.
According to the Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada (CADDAC), ADHD affects about 5-7% of Canadian children and can significantly impact learning and daily functioning.
Primary Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD symptoms fall into three categories:
Inattentive: Difficulty sustaining focus, easily distracted, forgetful
Hyperactive-Impulsive: Fidgeting, difficulty staying seated, interrupting others
Combined Presentation: A mix of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms
How These Differences Affect Reading
For kids with dyslexia, the root problem is decoding — they struggle to break down words into sounds, making reading slow and frustrating. Their brains process language differently, so they need explicit, structured literacy instruction.
Kids with ADHD may be able to decode words but struggle to stay focused long enough to understand or remember what they read. Their challenges with attention and executive function can make reading feel overwhelming, even if their decoding skills are solid.
The Diagnostic Process in Canada: What Parents Need to Know
Getting a precise diagnosis is a crucial step in helping your child get the proper support. Here's a step-by-step guide to what you can expect in Canada.
Who Can Diagnose?
Registered Psychologists: They are the primary professionals who are qualified to diagnose both dyslexia and ADHD. They conduct detailed assessments that may include interviews, standardized tests, and observations.
Pediatricians or Family Doctors: Can provide referrals, but typically do not diagnose learning disabilities themselves.
Steps in the Diagnostic Assessment
Referral: You may get referred by your child's teacher, doctor, or come to seek evaluation yourself if you notice ongoing challenges.
Intake Interview: The psychologist will gather background information about your child's development, medical history, school performance, and family history.
Testing: This usually involves a series of standardized tests to evaluate cognitive abilities, reading skills, attention, memory, and executive functioning.
Observation and Questionnaires: Sometimes, behaviour checklists and observations in different settings help inform the diagnosis.
Feedback Session: The psychologist will explain the results, discuss whether your child meets criteria for dyslexia, ADHD, or both, and recommend supports or interventions.
Costs and Access
Diagnosis can be costly, from $1,000 to $3,000 or more, and wait times vary by province. Some services may be covered by public health or private insurance—check your local resources.
Some schools may provide some testing or partial funding depending on your location. But full diagnostic assessments usually require a private psychologist.
Why a Correct Diagnosis Matters
Getting the correct diagnosis of Dyslexia and ADHD helps you and your child understand what’s going on and opens the door to the right kinds of help.
Tailored Interventions
Dyslexia requires specialized teaching approaches, like structured literacy programs that focus on phonics and language skills.
ADHD supports often include behavioural strategies, accommodations for focus and organization, and sometimes medication.
When both are present, an integrated approach is necessary to address both sets of challenges.
School Accommodations
A formal diagnosis can qualify your child for accommodations such as extra time on tests, modified assignments, or assistive technology, making school more manageable.
Reducing Frustration and Building Confidence
Understanding your child’s unique brain wiring helps reduce blame and frustration. It empowers families to advocate effectively and celebrate strengths alongside challenges.
What You Can Do Now
Observe and document your child’s strengths and struggles.
Talk with your child’s teacher about concerns and ask about school supports.
Reach out to a registered psychologist for an evaluation if you suspect dyslexia, ADHD, or both.
Learn about evidence-based tutoring and interventions that can help your child thrive.
Supporting Your Child Beyond Diagnosis
Diagnosis is just the beginning. Consistent, compassionate support tailored to your child’s needs is key. The Literacy Corner offers personalized tutoring programs that address both reading challenges and attention difficulties, helping kids build skills and confidence. If you’re concerned about your child’s reading or attention, booking a free consultation is a great way to start. Our experienced team at The Literacy Corner is here to help your child become confident in reading and learning.
