ADHD and Reading: 12 Strategies and Tips That Work
reviewed by Franz Jerby Delos Santos
Updated on January 25, 2026
ADHD makes reading discouraging and exhausting, like trying to keep a kite on a windless day. But just like a kite, your child struggling with ADHD can get a more favorable environment to go with the flow and enjoy. To make it happen, check out the top ADHD and reading strategies I’ve used throughout the years of my tutoring experience.
Key points
- Tutoring still remains one of the most effective strategies for improving the reading skills of kids with ADHD.
- Brighterly platform offers reading tutoring help and free reading worksheets for kids with ADHD difficulty reading.
- Practicing active reading, reading aloud, and exercising with worksheets can help improve reading comprehension.
- Time management techniques like Pomodoro, note-taking, and summarization are also helpful in improving reading focus.
How does ADHD affect reading?
Kids with an ADHD diagnosis struggle with various literacy aspects, meaning they have poor working memory and reading focus, can skip sentences, miss details, and can’t recall what they’ve just read. ADHD also results in a slower reading pace, difficulty summarizing a sentence or even a whole passage, and memorization.
Does ADHD affect reading comprehension?
Yes, it does. Basic ADHD symptoms like distractibility, hyperactivity, and working memory limitations interrupt reading comprehension. These factors impact kids’ ability to understand the meaning of what they’ve read. Thus, some children with ADHD may also struggle with reading fluency. In certain cases, ADHD can co-occur with dyslexia, but this happens due to shared genetic and environmental risk factors rather than one condition causing the other.
However, the cases of such co-occurrence are not as widespread as it’s common to assume. Frequently, dyslexia may lead to attention problems that are commonly associated with ADHD because the brain becomes overwhelmed with decoding.
“The biggest misconception is that all kids with reading difficulties, especially dyslexia, must also have ADHD.”
Clary Tepper, a licensed psychologist, also warns that it’s important to distinguish ADHD and dyslexia properly. They affect different reading aspects and, thus, should be addressed differently:
“ADHD affects reading through different brain pathways than dyslexia.”
How different are reading with dyslexia and reading with ADHD?
Dyslexia affects fluency, decoding, and spelling, while ADHD impacts the kids’ ability to focus on reading. Kids with ADHD mostly experience challenges with decoding and comprehension due to various distractions. At the same time, dyslexic kids may have higher attention spans but still have reading issues with word recognition and decoding.
In practice, this misconception of ADHD and reading issues leads to a common mistake of perceiving such students as irresponsible, inconsistent, or lacking discipline. In reality, these negative descriptions neglect the fact that ADHD affects brain pathways related to reading attention, not personal traits:
“Many people think that reading difficulties in ADHD are linked to symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsivity.”
ADHD and reading difficulties with speed
As ADHD affects processing speed, it creates difficulties for reading speed as well. Still, it doesn’t always mean that ADHD equals slow reading speed.
Based on the Reddit community discussions, many users with ADHD report being capable of reading very fast and a lot:
Still, others admitted being slow readers or experiencing challenges while keeping their thoughts glued to the things they read and not wandering elsewhere:
In practice, it seems that reading comprehension is a more crucial problem for ADHD readers than speed. And to address it, slowing down and reading words aloud can help more than working on the reading speed:
“Once a child's brain finds something steady to hold onto, they can then clearly understand the story.”
How to focus on reading with ADHD?
- Work with a reading tutor
- Set up a non-distracting reading space
- Motivate kids with a reward
- Try chunk reading
- Be flexible with reading approaches
- Reflect on books you read together
- Involve support systems
#1 ADHD and learning to read with tutoring
Children with ADHD often need extra help to stay focused when they read. Expert tutors keep students interested, adjust the content to their attention span, and give them immediate feedback. Thus, choosing the best reading program for ADHD with an interactive tutoring approach can help children with ADHD focus on reading.
How Brighterly reading tutors help with ADHD reading comprehension and focus problems
On Brighterly reading and math tutoring platform, reading tutors understand how the brain of a neurodivergent person works and choose the approach to keep kids interested and reveal their talents in a friendly atmosphere. Most of them have extensive experience working with children who struggle with paying attention to studying materials and comprehending texts.
Brighterly tutors pass qualification training in kids’ psychology to be able to choose the best ways to learn how to read with ADHD. During 1:1 sessions, they devote their attention to any mood swing, special need, and the case of attention deficit to gently return your child back to reading.
Reading tutors from Brighterly combine entertainment with productivity to teach yet not overwhelm students, and this approach has earned a 4.5/5 Trustpilot satisfaction score.
#2 Set up a non-distracting ADHD reading space
Attention is a valuable asset for kids with ADHD, so try minimizing distractions for them. This way, kids can stay focused on the reading process without extra items grabbing their attention.
Helping kids with ADHD set up a non-distracting space
- While setting up a reading spot, remove all the toys, gadgets, food, and unnecessary stationery from the desk and the surrounding area.
- Clearly differentiate and organize zones for activities like learning, sports, and leisure.
- Whether it’s a space at home or in the classroom, it’s better to choose a spot next to a window or in the corner for adequate lighting and a low noise level.
- Avoid too bright, contrasting colors in a reading space, as this can also degrade concentration on the reading.
Note: Based on the report from the American Public Health Association, ADHD symptoms overlap with vision-related problems. Thus, removing visual distractions can significantly help kids with ADHD.
#3 Motivate kids with ADHD reading problems with a reward
It’s always easier to encourage kids to read with a little reward for an activity or completing a task. Don’t turn it into a habit when a kid stops doing anything without receiving a goodie in return but don’t forget to praise them from time to time.
Why reading tips for ADHD include rewards?
- Giving your kid a small gift, their favorite snack or whatever you, as a parent, find appropriate adds excitement to the reading process.
- Setting up specific rules for getting the reward motivates kids to read, focus, and work harder. As for exact ADHD reading strategies in this regard, you can agree that you will give a reward each time your kid finishes reading a passage faster or when the frequency of distractions or rereading a piece of text becomes lower
- Consider making the rewards not just pleasant but also useful. You can get your kid toys that help concentrate, like fidget spinners, stress balls, or a Rubik’s Cube.
Note: Whatever the reward is, always appreciate and congratulate your kid for completing a milestone, even the smallest one. Verbal acknowledgement is just as motivating as gifts and sweets, so don’t neglect it.
#4 Learning to read with ADHD by chunk reading
Chunk reading can be a great way how to teach a child with ADHD to read. It limits the sessions to short, non-overwhelming sprints that help kids practice the reading skill gently, stick to their comfortable pace, and boost confidence with frequent successful completion of texts.
For kids with ADHD, it’s important to keep the practice small and controllable to help them proceed:
“One of the most effective strategies for children with ADHD is converting reading tasks into short, clear, and structured lessons.”
How to read with ADHD chunk by chunk
- Start with small, easily digestible pieces of text: A single paragraph is enough to start. Don’t rush your kid into completing it; help them get the meaning of what they read. If necessary, pause to let them distract for a while and help them make notes.
- If you read a page, take frequent breaks: The Pomodoro technique is helpful to track the time for breaks. You can start by reading for 5 minutes and taking a 5-minute break — then steadily increase the reading time without cutting down the breaks.
- Focus on reading comprehension, not speed: Remember that your goal is to help your kid read, not skim the text to reach the target time.
Note: Your support between the chunk sprints is very important, so don’t forget to reward your kid for each milestone.
#5 Be flexible with ADHD reading tips
With ADHD, there can be no one-size-fits-all approach, and it is more effective to combine different strategies to help your kid read better. For example, you can use the Pomodoro method and read aloud together, or find your kid a reading tutor to practice and reward after each session for consistency and success. Each kid is unique, so be ready to find a custom combination of ADHD reading comprehension strategies, techniques, and tips that will keep your kid inspired and motivated.
Reading strategies for ADHD students you can combine
- Whenever your kid struggles with reading comprehension, you can read aloud together, visualize the reading, or take a break.
- If you don’t have time to practice with your kid, you can hire a reading tutor.
- If nothing works, consider changing the reading space and finding an alternative strategy (like worksheets or specialized games).
Note: If you don’t know which type among the reading strategies for struggling readers to pick, you can consult with parents who also have a kid with ADHD.
#6 How to teach ADHD child to read by doing it together
Reading together helps children with ADHD build focus, improve comprehension, and feel supported. Take turns reading, ask questions about the text, and gently guide them through tricky parts. Most importantly, stay patient and attentive — your encouragement makes the process easier and more enjoyable.
Upon reading, it’ll be helpful to talk openly to your kid about ADHD and how it works. For kids, self-awareness can be a big part of their progress:
“A powerful support for ADHD readers is teaching kids about their strengths and challenges, as well as how their brain works.”
Why is it hard to read with ADHD without parental support?
- Without double-checking by parents, it’s hard to understand whether the kid understood the text and remembered something from it. Talking about what you’ve just read helps you see if the kid struggles to comprehend the context, a specific word, or a phrase
- Parental encouragement helps ADHD to be curious and feel less stress from reading. Tactics like rereading the difficult part together or explaining it right away will help the kid not forget that something was unclear earlier and review the passage.
#7 How to read better with ADHD using support systems
You can apply technology and visual techniques, among other systems available. There are various easily doable and interactive support tools to incorporate into the reading process and help your kid with low attention spans.
Since kids with ADHD may struggle to reach peace of mind to dedicate enough attention to reading, support systems and reading strategies for ADHD can also help them maintain steadiness. It can be a good idea to draw something connected to the reading or play with pencils or pens before starting the reading practice. The key is to keep these activities short and simple.
“The best strategies to help kids with ADHD read better always start with regulating the nervous system first.”
How do I help my ADHD child with reading support systems?
- Highlight specific parts of the text to help decide, memorize, and focus on the main idea of the passage.
- Use graphic organizers like charts or mind maps to visualize what’s written in the text, structure thoughts, and highlight the main idea of the passage.
- Read texts that are interesting to the kid by referring to their hobbies, favorite sports, and basically anything that can draw more attention to the book or passage.
- Take small breaks and do quick exercises to help handle restlessness and reset focus.
Practical tips for reading with ADHD
- Practice with structured worksheets
- Pick the right reading time
- Don’t make your child sit still while reading
- Set realistic milestones
- Turn on subtitles on TV and streaming sources
#1 How to focus while reading ADHD with structured worksheets
Worksheets that divide reading into manageable, concise tasks help students with ADHD focus while reading. Packed with interactive activities, Brighterly reading worksheets aim to maintain students’ interest and progressively enhance fluency and comprehension. Frequently incorporated in reading programs for struggling readers, they help children develop skills gradually and avoid feeling overburdened in this way.
Topics in free reading worksheets from Brighterly are grouped by the specific skills they are aimed at. These colorful guides can improve your kid’s command of vowels, reading speed, and reading comprehension with their help. Each worksheet contains an answer key for self-check.
Note: It’s a great practice to combine exercises from different Brighterly worksheets to get the set adjusted to your kid’s current learning gaps and needs.
#2 Reading with ADHD child at the right time
Can ADHD affect reading due to the wrong reading time? Practice shows that once most relaxed, a kid with ADHD learns better. In this state, they naturally avoid possible distractions and get more fun from the reading process.
Note: Record the times when a kid is at its calmest and most active to establish clear patterns. Based on that, you can plan your reading schedule most efficiently.
#3 Don’t make your child sit still to read
Based on the ADHD and reading Reddit reviews, kids with ADHD are much less adapted to sitting still for long periods of time. So let them stand up and move around for a minute or two.
Experiment with setting up the reading space, like getting a standing table or trying new activities during a break. You can also allow your kid to carry the book with them while reading to process information more effectively.
Note: Introduce short breaks between reading with some light physical activity or just standing up and walking around the room. This will help maintain better focus when the kid gets back to reading.
#4 Set realistic ADHD reading milestones
Sometimes, parents have unrealistic expectations about the kid’s learning process. It’s important to set realistic goals and celebrate completing each milestone.
You can always consult a specialist to help you set proper goals based on your kid’s real abilities and skills. They’ll also help you set up the list of goals that you can follow along the way.
Note: Always cheer your kid up and let them know they’re doing great, even if they’re not perfect. This will increase their motivation and willingness to learn and improve.
#5 Enable subtitles on TV or streaming sources
Another advice from the ADHD and reading how to help kids Reddit thread refers to making their daily watching cartoons activity more effective.
With visualized content supporting the written one, it can be easier for a child with ADHD to read and comprehend the text.
Note: Try enabling subtitles on cartoons, scientific channels, and shows about traveling. Their content is fun and interesting enough to encourage kids to read.
What is the best reading technique for ADHD?
Based on scientific evidence and real-life experience, the best reading technique for ADHD children is tutoring. The supervised reading practice is extremely helpful for kids and parents alike. Tutors can give constructive feedback on kids’ strengths and weaknesses and adjust the techniques to try at school and after classes.
Start changing the way your kid with ADHD reads today!
No matter which one of the ADHD reading comprehension strategies you choose, try to make the reading process as interactive and enjoyable as possible. Your kid should be excited about this activity, and once they reach this state of mind, everything will be easier.
If you’re wondering which strategy to choose, think of what their sharpest reading problems are:
- Do they lack motivation or find it difficult to memorize big chunks of text? Then try chunk reading together and turn on subtitles on their favorite cartoons.
- Are they getting easily distracted? Consider setting up a non-distracting ADHD reading space and using graphic support systems while reading.
- Do they experience problems with reading comprehension? Read to them, discuss your ideas together, and get reading worksheets for extra reading practice.
If you want to try the best reading technique for ADHD, book 1st free reading class from Brighterly! Professional reading tutors on the platform will get your kid the practice they need and be attentive and flexible to adjust to their reading needs. It’s free and totally worth giving a try!
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