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Spiderman star Tom Holland opened up about living with dyslexia and ADHD. He mentioned how he has leaned on creativity and play as powerful coping mechanisms.
Tom Holland was diagnosed with dyslexia when he was seven.
Living with ADHD or dyslexia can feel isolating, but when someone like Tom Holland speaks up, it instantly shifts the conversation. The actor, known worldwide for donning Spider-Man’s suit, has revealed that he manages both conditions – something that not only shaped his school years but also continues to influence his creative process. His candid admission turns a personal challenge into a moment of awareness, reminding fans that even superheroes off-screen navigate invisible battles.
Living With Dual Diagnoses
Tom Holland was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of seven and, more recently, acknowledged his ADHD. The actor admitted that both conditions can feel daunting. “I have ADHD and I’m dyslexic, and I find sometimes when someone gives me a blank canvas that it can be slightly intimidating,” he said in a chat with IGN.
Creativity as a Coping Tool
Instead of letting these conditions limit him, Tom has leaned on creativity and play as powerful coping mechanisms. His latest LEGO short film, Never Stop Playing, in which he voices multiple characters, serves as proof. “Any way that you can interact with something that forces you to be creative… just promotes healthy creativity,” he explained. For Holland, projects that push him to think outside the box help transform challenges into opportunities.
ADHD vs Dyslexia: Understanding the Difference
While ADHD and dyslexia often occur together, they affect individuals differently. ADHD is marked by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, while dyslexia specifically affects reading, spelling, and decoding words. The two can overlap in symptoms like poor concentration or difficulty managing tasks, which makes a proper medical diagnosis essential. A combined treatment approach, addressing both behavioural and language needs, is usually recommended.
The Healing Power of Creative Expression
Experts note that creativity can play a powerful role in managing ADHD and dyslexia. Engaging in activities like art, music, storytelling, or even building with tools can help channel restless energy, improve focus, and boost problem-solving skills. For individuals with dyslexia, creative expression provides alternative ways to communicate and learn beyond reading and writing, while for those with ADHD, it offers structure without rigidity, allowing their natural imagination and spontaneity to thrive.
By speaking openly, the actor has normalised conversations around neurodevelopmental conditions. His reflections echo a larger movement: shifting from seeing ADHD and dyslexia as ‘deficits’ to acknowledging them as different ways of thinking. Experts suggest that early intervention, structured learning support, and creative outlets can help children and adults alike harness their strengths.
His story is not just about a celebrity diagnosis. It’s a reminder that visibility matters. When public figures share their vulnerabilities, they give courage to countless others navigating the same challenges. His message is simple yet powerful: embracing creativity and persistence can turn obstacles into strengths.
Delhi, India, India
September 05, 2025, 13:00 IST
