How an AI Tool Can Help Readers with ADHD

Reading is often described as a peaceful escape, but for many children with ADHD, it can feel more like an uphill climb. Challenges with focus, decoding, and comprehension can make even the most interesting book frustrating. However, the right tools can transform reading into a more engaging and confidence-boosting experience.

Do People with ADHD Struggle with Reading?

Yes, many do. ADHD affects a person’s ability to focus, which can make it harder to follow long paragraphs or keep track of storylines. Common difficulties include skipping words or lines, racing through text without understanding or struggling to recall what they just read.

For some, reading feels exhausting because they have to work harder to stay engaged.

What Does ADHD Look Like When Reading?

Children and adults with ADHD might:

• Lose their place often
• Move quickly through pages but miss details
• Struggle with reading comprehension and fluency
• Find it difficult to summarise or discuss what they've read

This doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy stories - many love them! But they need a different approach to access them fully.

Is Reading a Good Hobby for ADHD?

It can be! The key is adapting how reading is presented. Using supportive strategies and tools can make reading a fun and rewarding hobby rather than a chore.

How Can an AI Tool Help?

Story Spark’s AI-powered story generator is designed to support readers with ADHD by providing:

1. Customisable Story Length and Structure

Children with ADHD often do better with shorter, more manageable chunks of text. Story Spark allows you to create stories that match your child’s attention span, making reading feel more achievable.

2. Personalised Content

When a story is about your child or features their interests, it’s much easier to stay engaged. Personalisation boosts motivation and emotional connection.

3. Visual and Formatting Flexibility

The right visual presentation can make a big difference. Story Spark stories can be adapted to include larger fonts, more spacing, and clear layouts - elements that help readers who struggle with tracking or decoding.

4. Support for Reading Comprehension

Stories generated on Story Spark can include simplified language, clear sequencing, and built-in context clues - making it easier to follow and understand the plot.

5. Reinforcing Positive Experiences

Reading can become a positive ritual rather than a source of stress. When children feel successful, they’re more likely to come back to reading again and again.

What Not to Do with a Child with ADHD

While supporting reading, avoid:

• Forcing long, dense books before they're ready
• Criticising when they lose focus or skip parts
• Comparing them to siblings or peers

Instead, focus on building confidence and creating an environment where reading is fun and low-pressure.

The Role of Personalised Stories

A personalised story isn't just a gimmick - it’s a way to make reading feel like it truly belongs to the child. By centering their name, interests, and daily challenges, stories become more accessible and memorable.

ADHD and reading can coexist happily - with the right support. By embracing customisation, choosing the right format, and using tools like Story Spark’s AI story generator, children can find joy and success in reading.

Explore Story Spark’s inclusive story collection, instantly generate a story, or personalize a beautiful hardback book and see how storytelling can support, inspire, and empower every learner.