ADHD Women's Wellbeing Podcast

Dyslexia, ADHD & Why Life Feels Harder Than It Should (Even When You’re Capable)

Apr 15, 2026
Dr Jacob Santhouse, a dyslexic counsellor and coach who helps people build self-esteem and practical strategies. He explores how dyslexia affects more than reading, its overlap with ADHD, and why late diagnosis matters. Short takes on masking, automaticity, visual stress, memory gaps, and how gendered expectations hide struggles. Practical ideas for navigating daily life and learning differently.
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INSIGHT

Dyslexia Extends Beyond Reading Difficulties

  • Dyslexia impacts far more than reading and spelling and often goes unrecognised into adulthood.
  • Jacob Santhouse describes many clients who only discover later that years of coping strategies mask a deeper processing difference.
ADVICE

Seek Understanding Over Shame With Diagnosis

  • Get assessed or at least learn about dyslexia because knowing provides relief from shame and enables strategic supports.
  • Jacob says diagnosis shifts identity from "lazy/stupid" to understanding a distinct brain difference and enables targeted strategies.
INSIGHT

Overlays Treat Visual Stress Not Dyslexia

  • Colored overlays help visual stress, not dyslexia directly, though many dyslexic people also have visual stress.
  • Jacob explains overlays vary by person and research does not show they reliably treat dyslexia itself.
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