How ADHD and executive functions affect reading difficulties in children with dyslexia
Official title: Influence of ADHD and Executive Functions on Developmental Dyslexia
Funded at Mgh Institute of Health Professions · NIH-11064852 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how ADHD and challenges with thinking skills affect reading in kids with dyslexia, comparing those who only have dyslexia to those who have both conditions, to help find better ways to support their reading skills as they grow.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mgh Institute of Health Professions NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlestown, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $662,803 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD106122-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064852 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 8 to 10 who have been diagnosed with dyslexia, with or without ADHD.
✕Less likely to help
Children who do not have dyslexia or ADHD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between ADHD, executive function challenges, and developmental dyslexia in children. It aims to understand how these factors influence reading abilities by comparing children with dyslexia alone to those with both dyslexia and ADHD. The study will involve longitudinal data collection over three years, assessing reading skills and cognitive functions in children aged 8 to 10. By analyzing these relationships, the research seeks to improve assessment and intervention strategies for reading difficulties.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and interventions for children struggling with reading due to dyslexia and ADHD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the co-occurrence of ADHD and dyslexia, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Mgh Institute of Health Professions
Charlestown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Christodoulou, Joanna — Mgh Institute of Health Professions
- Study coordinator: Christodoulou, Joanna
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Biobehavioral validation of the ADHD emotion dysregulation phenotype
A study with children who have ADHD is testing how emotion regulation and thinking skills fit together to better understand why ADHD shows up differently in kids.
-
Hybrid school clinician training and ADHD/ODD program for Mexico
A school-based program to train clinicians and deliver a digital ADHD/ODD intervention in Mexican schools, helping children in real-world settings.
-
Hybrid school clinician training and ADHD/ODD intervention for schools in Mexico
A program that trains school clinicians and provides a digitally enhanced ADHD/ODD intervention to elementary-age students in Mexican schools to improve outcomes.
-
Nonstimulant-First vs Stimulant-First ADHD Treatment in Adults
This trial tests whether starting ADHD treatment with a nonstimulant medication works as well as starting with a stimulant for adults with ADHD.
-
Treating Adult ADHD Around the Clock: A Sleep-Focused Treatment Trial
A Duke-led study tests a care plan that uses a sleep-focused program, with or without CBT-based ADHD therapy, to help adults with ADHD sleep better and function more during the day.
-
Motivational Interviewing–Enhanced CBT for Adults with ADHD
A new program tests whether adding Motivational Interviewing to CBT helps adults with ADHD engage in treatment and improve daily functioning.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.