School was often the first place where things started to feel different for many neurodivergent adults. Maybe reading felt harder than it should have, or you found yourself bumping into things more often than others. Perhaps numbers never made sense, no matter how many times you tried, when deep down you knew you were trying twice as hard as everyone else.
If any of this feels familiar, you are in the right place. Dyslexia and Dyspraxia are widespread forms of neurodivergence. They are also widely misunderstood. What looks like difficulty keeping up or inconsistent performance is often the result of a brain that processes information differently. When you add ADHD into the equation, the picture becomes even more complex.
At The ADHD Centre, we now offer diagnostic assessments for special learning difficulties such as Dyslexia and Dyspraxia, alongside our coaching services designed specifically for people with ADHD and co-occurring conditions.
Understanding the “why” behind your challenges can be life-changing. Recognising that dyslexia, dyspraxia, and ADHD often share a deeper connection can inspire hope and validation, showing you are part of a well-known pattern affecting many.
Recognising the link between these conditions can be incredibly validating. It means that the challenges you have faced are part of a well-known neurodivergent pattern that affects many people. Once you see the complete picture, you can finally approach your life with clarity. You can choose strategies that truly match the way your brain works, instead of trying to fit yourself into systems that were never designed for you. This is the point where real progress begins, and where people often feel a renewed sense of hope for the future.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is much more than mixing up letters or reading slowly. At its core, it affects how the brain processes written and spoken language. This can influence reading accuracy, spelling, writing, processing speed and working memory. Many people with dyslexia are knowledgeable and articulate, yet feel frustrated that their written work does not reflect their abilities.
Some only discover they have dyslexia in adulthood after years of masking their difficulties. Others develop creative compensatory strategies that help them cope but leave them exhausted. Dyslexia does not diminish intelligence or ambition; it simply means the brain takes a different route when processing language.
Common signs of Dyslexia:
Dyslexia can present in many ways, and not everyone will experience the same challenges. Some of the more common signs include:
- Difficulty with reading accuracy, fluency, and speed
- Struggling to sound out unfamiliar words or recognise common ones automatically
- Challenges with spelling, writing, and organising written work
- Mixing up letters, numbers, or the order of words when reading or writing
- Finding it more challenging to remember sequences, instructions, or information presented in text
- Avoiding reading aloud or written tasks, especially in group settings
- Taking longer to complete reading or writing assignments than peers
- Difficulties with phonological awareness (recognising and working with sounds in words)
These signs can range from subtle to more pronounced, and some individuals may not realise they have dyslexia until adolescence or adulthood. A private dyslexia assessment can help bring clarity, providing a detailed understanding of how these signs relate to a potential dyslexia diagnosis and guiding the right support moving forward.
Our Dyslexia specialist
Jenni Carlin, a Chartered Occupational Psychologist with more than 22 years of experience in selection and assessment, conducts Dyslexia diagnoses at The ADHD Centre. Jenni is RQTU and HCPC-registered and has specialised in neurodiversity assessments for adults and young people. Her expertise spans Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD, Personality Assessment, Leadership Profiling and Talent Management.
Jenni also has ADHD and dyslexia herself, which gives her an invaluable, compassionate insight into the lived experience of those she assesses. Her approach blends scientific rigour with genuine understanding, helping people recognise their strengths and the areas where support is needed. BOOK AN ASSESSMENT HERE
Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia affects how the brain plans and coordinates movement. This can influence tasks such as handwriting, tying shoelaces, cycling, typing or anything requiring fine or gross motor control. But dyspraxia is not only physical.
Many adults with dyspraxia experience difficulties with planning, sequencing tasks, structuring information, managing time and staying organised. What is often mistaken for untidiness or forgetfulness is actually a coordination difficulty that affects both thoughts and movements.
People with dyspraxia are often creative, empathetic and determined problem-solvers. With the correct diagnosis, support, and small environmental adjustments, they can thrive at work, in education, and at home.
Common signs of Dyspraxia:
Dyspraxia can present in many ways. Some of the more common signs and symptoms of dyspraxia include:
- Difficulties with coordination, balance, and motor skills
- Challenges with handwriting, using cutlery, tying shoelaces, or other fine motor tasks
- Struggling to plan and sequence movements or daily routines
- Clumsiness or frequently bumping into objects
- Taking longer to learn new physical skills, such as riding a bike or swimming
- Difficulties with organisation, time management, and spatial awareness
- Fatigue or frustration when completing physical or written tasks
These signs can range from subtle to more pronounced, and some people may not realise they have dyspraxia until adolescence or adulthood. A private dyspraxia assessment can bring clarity, helping to explain these difficulties and guide the right support moving forward.
Why is diagnosis vital?
When you finally understand the source of your struggles, everything changes. People often describe the experience as “the missing puzzle piece” or “my entire life suddenly makes sense.”
Receiving a diagnosis can lead to several significant benefits:
- Self-acceptance and relief from years of self-blame
- Strategies tailored to the way your brain works
- Improved performance at work or university
- Access to reasonable adjustments
- Practical support for everyday life
- Increased confidence and emotional well-being
Diagnosis is not just a label. It is a framework that helps you recognise your strengths and advocate for your needs.
How employers can support
Support at work is often simple but impactful. Small adjustments like clear instructions or flexible deadlines can make you feel understood, valued, and supported in your strengths.
Clear written instructions, extra processing time, flexibility around how tasks are completed, and tools such as speech-to-text software or visual planners can make a significant difference. Some people benefit from quieter workspaces or structured check-ins, while others simply need permission to approach tasks in ways that suit their strengths.
When employers recognise neurodivergent needs and provide practical support, they gain loyal, motivated staff and a more inclusive, forward-thinking workplace. For information on how we support employers, VISIT HERE
How The ADHD Centre can help
Our assessments are conducted by experienced clinicians and consultant psychiatrists who specialise in neurodiversity. We offer comprehensive diagnostic assessments for Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD and Autism. Our reports are detailed, practical and written to help you succeed with appointments often available the same or next day.
If you recognise yourself in any of these descriptions, you are not “failing” or “behind”. Your brain simply works differently. Once you understand that, everything becomes possible.
A diagnosis can be the turning point. Many people come to us feeling uncertain or overwhelmed, but leave with a sense of direction, validation and new confidence.
“I was delighted to get an assessment done here within 24 hours, having spent several months seeing NHS doctors and then referrals to local private clinics, only to meet a dead end each time. This process did involve two good friends input but the overall process was relaxed and easy to do. Having someone just to listen whilst I talked was brilliant and the pace went really well. Highly recommended.” TrustPilot review.
If you would like to explore whether dyslexia, dyspraxia, or ADHD may be part of your story, we are here to help.
About The ADHD Centre
The ADHD Centre offers a broader range of assessments and support to reflect how often ADHD co-occurs with other neurodivergences. Alongside ADHD assessments and treatment, we provide services for autism, special learning difficulties such as Dyslexia and Dyspraxia, alongside our coaching services designed specifically for people with ADHD and co-occurring conditions.
Our specialist consultant psychiatrists and coaches provide evidence-based services, including ADHD diagnosis, medication management, coaching, mindfulness training, and educational support.
We offer:
- ADHD enhanced and autism assessments
- Dyslexia and Dyspraxia assessments
- Workplace Needs Assessment (WPA)
- Coaching in the corporate space
- Free online workshops and webinars. Past events included Supporting Neurodiversity in Schools and Navigating Neurodiversity at University.
For more information about our services, please visit our website at www.adhdcentre.co.uk
Our highly experienced team is on hand to provide expert insight, advice, support, and guidance on ADHD, including how to manage it effectively and address its challenges.
Book an ADHD assessment HERE
For more information on how we could help you: Call: 0800 061 4276
Email: enquiries@adhdcentre.co.uk
Visit our website www.adhdcentre.co.uk
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