If you live with ADHD and a learning disability, it can feel like trying to solve a puzzle with so many missing pieces. Maybe you’ve been told you’re lazy, distracted, or just not “trying hard enough.” You’re likely frustrated, overwhelmed, and wondering why no one ever explained how to juggle both.
First things first, you are NOT broken. You are not alone either. You just haven’t been given the full picture. Well, until now. I’m here to give you that full picture.
The Key Takeaway.
YOU can function with both ADHD and a learning disability by learning exactly how they affect YOU, and then applying tools and strategies that work together, not against each other. It’s not about fixing yourself. It’s about understanding yourself and working smarter.
What ADHD and Learning Disabilities REALLY Mean.
- ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) means your brain works differently when it comes to focus, impulse control, and hyperactivity. Some people are super hyper, some are more forgetful, and some have both.
- Learning disabilities are when you have trouble with certain ways of learning like reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), or math (dyscalculia). They don’t mean you can’t learn, it just means you learn differently.
Now it gets messy because many people have BOTH at the same time. This is called comorbidity (just a fancy word for “they show up together”). And when they do, things feel way harder because one affects the other.
How ADHD and Learning Disabilities Connect.
- ADHD can make it harder to stay focused long enough to use the coping tools you’ve been taught for your learning disability.
- Your learning disability might slow down your work or reading, which can make ADHD symptoms (like frustration or zoning out) worse.
- Both together can cause low self-esteem, shame, or feeling like you’ll never “get it together.”
But do we care what anyone says? No! YOU are working twice as hard as people without these conditions and that’s a fact.
What’s Linked… And What’s Not.
Linked:
- ADHD and learning disabilities both affect the brain’s ability to process information.
- They also overlap in people (up to 45% of people with ADHD also have a learning disability according to the CDC).
- Both can make school and work environments feel like battlefields.
Not Linked:
- ADHD is about focus, energy, and self-control.
- Learning disabilities are about how you learn specific subjects or skills.
- You can have one without the other but when both are present, they team up like mischievous twins.
How It Feels (And Why You Feel That Way).
YOU might:
- Start tasks but not finish them.
- Feel smart but frustrated that reading or writing feels harder than it should.
- Avoid homework or work projects because they feel like mountains.
- Have people constantly underestimate your intelligence.
Here’s why:
- ADHD is pushing your attention all over the place.
- Your learning disability is slowing you down in certain subjects.
- Together, they drain your mental energy FAST.
How You Can Manage Both.
Own Your Energy Budget.
Think of your brain’s energy like a phone battery. ADHD drains it faster because you’re battling distractions and learning disabilities drain it because tasks take longer.
What to do:
- Break tasks into small parts (super small, like 5-10 minutes).
- Take scheduled breaks before you crash, not after.
- Prioritize your most important tasks when your energy is highest (usually mornings).
Combine ADHD and LD-Friendly Tools.
Some tools are designed for just ADHD or just learning disabilities. Combine them.
Example:
- ADHD tip: Use timers (like Pomodoro technique: 25 mins work, 5 mins break).
- LD tip: Use text-to-speech tools for reading-heavy tasks.
- Together: Set a timer while using text-to-speech, so you don’t get overwhelmed or wander off mentally.
Build “Failure-Proof” Systems.
YOU don’t need more willpower, you need systems.
Systems like:
- Using checklists instead of relying on memory.
- Having visual cues (like sticky notes or alarms) all around you.
- Creating a dedicated workspace free from distractions (even if it’s just a corner of your room).
Most people with ADHD and learning disabilities DON’T forget things because they’re careless. They forget because their brain prioritizes immediate needs and emotions. That’s normal for how your brain works.
Learn Self-Advocacy.
You have the right to ask for help, tools, and adjustments at work or school.
Try:
- Requesting extra time on tasks or exams.
- Asking for instructions in writing AND verbally.
- Using assistive tech like speech-to-text apps, Grammarly, or learning disability-friendly fonts.
Change Your Story.
Stop thinking “I’m bad at this” and start thinking “I do this differently.”
Examples:
- Instead of “I can’t focus,” say, “I focus best when I change tasks often.”
- Instead of “I’m slow at reading,” say, “I read better when I hear the words too.”
YOU are more capable than you’ve been led to believe. ADHD and learning disabilities aren’t curses, they’re challenges. But challenges can be managed, and even turned into strengths, with the right strategies.
