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

What if the reason life feels harder than it “should” isn’t a personal failing… but something that’s been missed all along?

In this eye-opening episode, Dr Jacob Santhouse reveals how dyslexia goes far beyond reading and writing, and why so many women with ADHD may be living with an undetected piece of their story.

If I asked you to describe dyslexia, what would you say? Letters, reading and numbers? You're not alone, but this week on the ADHD Women's Wellbeing Podcast, Dr Jacob Santhouse is here to show us just how much more there is to the story.

Dyslexia touches learning, self-esteem, executive functioning, and the exhausting daily admin of simply getting through life, and often goes hand in hand with ADHD, creating a unique and complex set of challenges for those navigating life with both.

Dr Jacob Santhouse is a dyslexic counsellor and coach, who supports dyslexic individuals in developing self-esteem, understanding their brains, and figuring out how to navigate life more effectively. So, if you've ever wondered why life feels so much harder than it seems to for everyone else, this episode might just give you the answer you have been waiting for.

In this episode, we explore:

1. The misunderstandings behind dyslexia and how it impacts more than reading and writing
2. What a late dyslexia diagnosis can mean for adults
3. How understanding dyslexia helps you to work strategically, instead of against yourself
4. How dyslexia and ADHD often coexist, and how to begin to untangle the two
5. The truth about colour overlays and why they are so often incorrectly associated with dyslexia
6. The impact of dyslexia on automaticity, working memory and executive functioning
7. How masking shows up in dyslexia and promotes avoidant behaviours
8. The lesser-known ways dyslexia can present that even healthcare professionals need to know
9. Tips to support long-term memory and how teachers can encourage real, lasting learning
10. Jacob's advice for anyone who is currently wondering whether dyslexia might be part of their story

Through this conversation, Jacob's knowledge and awareness will help you develop strategies and a deeper understanding of your experiences, and potentially provide the missing puzzle piece you've been looking for.

Timestamps:

1. 00:01 - Introduction to ADHD Women's Wellbeing
2. 02:42 - Understanding Dyslexia Beyond Reading and Writing
3. 11:25 - Understanding Dyslexia and ADHD
4. 28:19 - The Intersection of Dyslexia and Gender: Challenges Faced by Women
5. 35:14 - Exploring the Nuances of Dyslexia
6. 39:21 - Understanding Neurodivergence

The ADHD Women's Wellbeing Live Event Recording is here!

My first-ever ADHD Women's Wellbeing Live event sold out, and now the full experience is available to you wherever you are, whenever it feels right.

Alongside three neuro-affirming experts, we spent four hours exploring the questions that matter most to late-diagnosed women. Get lifetime access here!

Inside the ADHD Women's Wellbeing Live Recording, you'll find:

1. Kate Moryoussef on post-diagnosis growth and her gentle framework for what comes next
2. Dr Hannah Cullen on the neuroscience of ADHD and why your brain works the way it does
3. Hannah Miller on reconnecting with purpose through a neurodivergent lens
4. Adele Wimsett myth-busting on hormones, HRT, progesterone and perimenopause

Understand yourself more deeply, feel less alone, and finally access the expert knowledge you deserve. Because every woman with ADHD deserves access to the knowledge, expertise and understanding that for too long simply hasn't been available to us.

To get lifetime access for £44, click here.

Join the More Yourself Community - the doors are now open!

More Yourself is a compassionate space for late-diagnosed ADHD women to connect, reflect, learn and come home to who they really are. Sign up here!

Inside the More Yourself Membership, you’ll be able to:

1. Connect with like-minded women who understand you
2. Learn from guest experts and practical tools
3. Receive compassionate prompts & gentle reminders
4. Enjoy voice-note encouragement from Kate
5. Join flexible meet-ups and mentoring sessions
6. Access on-demand workshops and quarterly guest expert sessions

To join for £26 a month, click here. To join for £286 for a year (a whole month free!), click here.

We’ll also be walking through The ADHD Women’s Wellbeing Toolkit together, exploring nervous system regulation, burnout recovery, RSD, joy, hormones, and self-trust, so the book comes alive in a supportive community setting.

Links and Resources:

1. Find my popular ADHD workshops and resources on my website [here].
2. Follow the podcast on Instagram: @adhd_womenswellbeing_pod
3. Connect with Jacob on Instagram (@drjacobsanthouse), TikTok (@drjacobsanthouse) or visit his website for coaching(bluejcoaching.com) or counseling (olivecounseling.com)

Kate Moryoussef is a women's ADHD lifestyle and wellbeing coach and EFT practitioner who helps overwhelmed and unfulfilled newly diagnosed ADHD women find more calm, balance, hope, health, compassion, creativity and clarity.