
Why ADHD Kids Struggle with Reading and Writing
From The ADHD Parenting Podcast by The ADHD Parenting Podcast
April 29, 2026 · 25 min · Episode 50
About this episode
Ryan and Mike discuss the challenges ADHD children face with reading and writing, focusing on working memory issues and providing strategies for support.
In this episode, Ryan and Mike explore the real reason children with ADHD struggle with reading comprehension and written expression—working memory issues, not laziness or oppositional behavior. They explain the role of nonverbal working memory (mental movies) and verbal working memory (inner voice) , share key research findings, and offer practical strategies to support children at home and school. Find Mike @ www.grownowadhd.com & on IG Find Ryan @ www.adhddude.com & on Youtube {{chapters}} [00:00:00] Start [01:38] The real problem is working memory, not laziness [06:14] The mental movie that never gets made (nonverbal working memory) [13:36] The inner voice goes quiet during writing (verbal working memory) [17:29] The blank page: oppositional behavior or working memory failure? [20:06] What actually helps: make external what other kids do internally [23:00] Closing takeaways Episode 56 Citations: Gray, C., Rogers, M., London, K., et al. (2016). Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and reading disability: A review of the efficacy of medication treatments. Frontiers in…
People in this episode
Hosts: Ryan, Mike
Topics covered
- ADHD
- reading comprehension
- writing skills
- working memory
- educational strategies
Keywords
- ADHD
- reading
- writing
- working memory
- children
- education
- strategies
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: www.grownowadhd.com, www.adhddude.com, IG, Youtube
Books & works: Frontiers in Psychology, Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology
More episodes of The ADHD Parenting Podcast
- ADHD Medication: What Parents Need to Know | Part 1 · June 10, 2026 · 18 min
- Debunking Four ADHD Parenting Myths · May 27, 2026 · 19 min
- Stop Lowering The Bar. Why High Expectations Are The Most Loving Thing For ADHD Kids · May 13, 2026 · 28 min
- ADHD Kids and Consequences – What the Research Says · April 15, 2026 · 28 min
- Stepping Into Your Parental Authority · March 25, 2026 · 39 min
- Answering Parents' Questions · March 11, 2026 · 37 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The ADHD Parenting Podcast podcast page.