Does Dyslexia Affect Memory, Speech, or Everyday Life?
- Rebecca Bush
- Sep 19, 2025
- 3 min read
When your child is diagnosed with dyslexia, you may breathe a sigh of relief. There's finally, a name for what you’ve been noticing. But in the weeks that follow, more questions may arise: Why can’t they remember simple instructions? Why do they get so frustrated with routines? Why is speaking clearly still so hard sometimes?
It’s natural to wonder: Does dyslexia affect memory or speech, too?
The answer is: Not directly. Dyslexia primarily impacts how a person decodes and possibly spells words, but it often shows up alongside other diagnoses that can affect memory, language, attention, or even motor coordination.
These are called comorbid conditions and understanding them can help you support your child more holistically.
In this post, we’ll explore:
What dyslexia does — and doesn’t — affect
The most common overlapping diagnoses (ADHD, dyspraxia, and more)
How to recognize when something else might be going on
Supportive strategies that help, even before a formal diagnosis
What Dyslexia Does — and Doesn’t — Affect
Dyslexia is a brain-based learning difference that specifically impacts:
Accurate and fluent word recognition
Phonological processing and/or rapid naming
It does not inherently affect:
Speech development
Working memory
Attention span
Motor skills
That said, many children with dyslexia also have one or more co-occurring conditions and that’s where the complexity often comes in.
So… What’s Really Going On? Let’s Talk About Comorbidity
Comorbidity is just a clinical word for “more than one thing happening at once.” And in the world of learning differences, it’s common.
In fact, comorbidities with dyslexia are so frequent that many professionals now recommend screening for ADHD or dyspraxia any time dyslexia is diagnosed, and vice versa.
ADHD and Dyslexia: A Common Duo
📊 18–45% of people with ADHD also have dyslexia
📊 18–42% of people with dyslexia also meet the criteria for ADHD
ADHD doesn’t just show up as hyperactivity — it can look like:
Inconsistent focus
Poor working memory
Trouble following multi-step instructions
Difficulty organizing time or materials
These symptoms can affect how a child processes reading instruction, but they go beyond decoding and may affect every subject or environment.
Dyspraxia and Dyslexia: A Hidden Connection
Dyspraxia (also called Developmental Coordination Disorder or DCD) is less talked about, but highly prevalent among children with dyslexia.
📊 As many as 70% of individuals with dyspraxia also have dyslexia
📊 Over 50% of children with dyslexia may show dyspraxia traits
Dyspraxia affects:
Fine and gross motor coordination (writing, tying shoes, posture)
Motor planning and spatial awareness
Speech clarity and articulation
Daily life tasks like dressing, eating, or handwriting
And it often overlaps with ADHD, too:
📊 Up to 89% of individuals with ADHD also meet criteria for dyspraxia
Other Overlapping Diagnoses to Be Aware Of
Speech & Language Disorders
Some children with dyslexia also have expressive or receptive language challenges, especially in organizing or expressing their thoughts clearly. Signs may include:
Struggling to find the right word
Difficulty retelling events in order
Delayed sentence structure or unclear speech
These may warrant an evaluation from a speech-language pathologist (SLP).
What You Can Do (Even Before a New Diagnosis)
You don’t need to wait for another evaluation to start supporting your child more effectively. Here are steps you can take now:
✅ Observe patterns: What shows up repeatedly? When and where?
✅ Trust your gut: If something feels “off” beyond reading, explore it.
✅ Use visual supports: Checklists, timers, and simplified routines reduce mental load.
✅ Be proactive with the school team: Share concerns about attention, memory, coordination, or speech. Ask what they’ve noticed.
✅ Focus on function over labels: Whether or not there’s a formal diagnosis, your child still deserves support that works for their brain.
So Does Dyslexia Affect Memory, Speech, or Everyday Life?
Dyslexia does not directly cause speech or memory challenges, but comorbid conditions like ADHD and dyspraxia often do.
The overlap is real and well-documented, with many children experiencing more than one diagnosis.
Recognizing these patterns helps you advocate more effectively and support your child with clarity and compassion.
You’re not imagining it. And you’re not alone.
Looking for More Information?
Check out these trusted websites:
If you’ve been wondering why your child’s challenges seem to go beyond reading, this may be the clarity you’ve been needing. I offer resources, coaching, and calm guidance for families navigating learning differences, whether you're newly diagnosed or years in.
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