At Best Brains Learning Center in Mechanicsburg, we see many students who have been diagnosed with ADHD, yet their reading skills are well below grade level. This pattern has led us to an important observation: difficulty focusing in school is often a symptom of struggling with reading rather than a true attention disorder. Before assuming a child has ADHD, parents should first have their reading levels assessed.

The Connection Between Reading Struggles and Attention Issues

When a child is presented with material that is too difficult, staying focused becomes an uphill battle. Imagine being asked to read a passage filled with unfamiliar words—you might find yourself zoning out, fidgeting, or looking for distractions. This is exactly what happens to many children in the classroom. Their frustration and lack of engagement can mimic ADHD symptoms, leading to a possible misdiagnosis.

Research supports this idea. Studies show that children with reading difficulties often exhibit signs of inattention, but once they receive the right interventions and improve their literacy skills, their ability to focus also improves. Many students can avoid the ADHD label simply by strengthening their reading abilities.

What Parents Can Do

If you’re concerned about your child’s ability to focus, start with these steps:

1. Get a Reading Assessment – Before jumping to an ADHD evaluation, have your child’s reading level tested. If they are struggling, targeted reading support may make a significant difference in their attention and academic success.

2. Observe When They Struggle Most – Does your child lose focus primarily during reading and language-heavy activities? This may indicate a reading difficulty rather than a general attention issue.

3. Provide Structured Reading Support – Enrolling your child in a structured learning program, such as Best Brains, can help build their confidence and fluency in reading, which in turn can improve their ability to stay engaged in school.

Why Early Intervention Matters

The earlier reading difficulties are identified and addressed, the better the outcome for a child’s academic journey. Strengthening reading skills can not only improve a child’s performance in school but also boost their confidence and willingness to learn. Many children who seem inattentive are simply overwhelmed, and with the right support, they can thrive.

At Best Brains Mechanicsburg, we specialize in helping children build strong foundational skills in reading and comprehension. If you’re unsure whether your child is struggling with attention or literacy, we can help identify the root cause and provide solutions that lead to lasting success.

Schedule a Free Reading Assessment

Before assuming an ADHD diagnosis, let’s start with the basics—reading. Contact Best Brains today to schedule a free reading assessment and take the first step toward unlocking your child’s true potential!

Bibliography

• American Academy of Pediatrics. (2020). "Reading Disorders and ADHD: Understanding the Overlap." Pediatrics.
• Willcutt, E. G., Pennington, B. F., Olson, R. K., & DeFries, J. C. (2007). "Comorbidity of reading disability and ADHD: Implications for diagnosis and intervention." Journal of Learning Disabilities, 40(1), 48-62.
• Shaywitz, S. E., & Shaywitz, B. A. (2005). Overcoming Dyslexia: A New and Complete Science-Based Program for Reading Problems at Any Level. Knopf.
• Stevenson, H. W., & Stigler, J. W. (1992). The Learning Gap: Why Our Schools Are Failing and What We Can Learn from Japanese and Chinese Education. Simon & Schuster.