Why Traditional Reading Methods Don’t Work for ADHD

Reading can be a struggle for people with ADHD, as traditional methods don’t align with how the ADHD brain processes information. Instead of linear reading, which can cause frustration, ADHD brains thrive on engagement, stimulation, and breaks. Tools like Teggl, which allow customizable text and distraction-free environments, help boost focus and comprehension. It's time to rethink how we read to make it ADHD-friendly.

The Challenge: Why Reading Feels So Hard for People with ADHD

For many, reading is a straightforward task—sit down, focus, and absorb information. But for individuals with ADHD, it’s rarely that simple. Traditional reading methods rely on sustained attention, linear processing, and passive engagement—all of which clash with how the ADHD brain functions.

🔹 Struggling to stay focused? Your mind jumps between thoughts before you finish a paragraph. 

🔹 Rereading the same sentence multiple times? The words blur together without meaning. 

🔹 Forgetting what you just read? By the time you reach the bottom of the page, the top feels like a distant memory.

The Science Behind ADHD and Reading Struggles 

ADHD affects executive function, which controls focus, impulse regulation, and working memory. According to research from the Journal of Attention Disorders, individuals with ADHD are 3x more likely to experience reading comprehension difficulties due to challenges with sustained attention and information retention (Willcutt et al., 2020).

Why Traditional Reading Methods Fall Short

Most reading techniques assume that everyone processes information in the same way, but ADHD brains thrive on stimulation, novelty, and interactivity.

❌ Linear reading is frustrating. Traditional methods require moving through a text sequentially, but ADHD brains prefer jumping between ideas and making connections.

❌ Black-and-white text is uninspiring. Standard books and PDFs lack engagement triggers, making it easier to lose interest.

❌ Long reading sessions cause mental fatigue. Without built-in ways to reset focus, attention drifts, and frustration builds.

How to Make Reading ADHD-Friendly

1️⃣ Read in a Nonlinear Way

Instead of forcing yourself to read top-to-bottom, try: 

🔹 Skimming first – Read headlines and key sections to get a sense of the content. 

🔹 Jumping around – Start with the most interesting parts, then circle back. 

🔹 Breaking it into chunks – Read in short bursts with intentional breaks.

Why it works: ADHD brains process information best when they see the big picture first before diving into details.

2️⃣ Make Text More Visually Stimulating

Plain text on a screen doesn’t hold attention. Try: 

✅ Using colored highlights to track key points. 

✅ Adjusting font style and spacing to make words easier to process. 

✅ Using tools like Teggl to customize text formatting for better focus.

Why it works: The study "Towards Individuated Reading Experiences" found that adjusting font and text settings can improve reading speed by 35% while reducing cognitive strain (Wallace et al., 2022).

3️⃣ Engage with the Text, Don’t Just Read It

Passive reading doesn’t work for ADHD. Instead: 

📌 Read aloud to involve multiple senses. 

📌 Annotate while reading – Write quick notes, doodle, or ask questions in the margins. 

📌 Use audiobooks or text-to-speech tools to reinforce comprehension.

Why it works: Multi-sensory engagement helps lock in focus and improve memory recall.

4️⃣ Use Movement to Reset Focus

Sitting still and forcing focus often backfires. Instead: 

🔹 Read while walking or fidgeting. 

🔹 Use the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of reading, 5-minute break). 

🔹 Switch between reading and listening to avoid burnout.

Why it works: Movement recharges the brain’s focus circuits, making it easier to process information.

How Teggl Makes Reading ADHD-Friendly

Teggl is designed to adapt to the way your brain works, not the other way around.

✅ Customizable fonts and layouts – Optimize text for your focus style.

✅ Distraction-free reading mode – Remove clutter and unnecessary visual noise.

✅ Bolded reading – Highlighting key words and phrases in bold naturally guides the eyes and improves retention.

Final Thoughts: Rethink Reading for ADHD 

If traditional reading feels like an uphill battle, it’s not because you’re bad at reading—it’s because those methods weren’t built for ADHD minds. By using nonlinear strategies, visual enhancements, and adaptive tools, you can turn reading into a more focused, engaging, and productive experience.

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