Text‑to‑Speech for Dyslexia & ADHD (Practical Strategies)

Last updated: December 2025

Many people use text‑to‑speech (TTS) because it can make reading feel less exhausting. Instead of fighting through every line visually, you can let a steady voice carry the text while you focus on meaning.

Why TTS Can Help (In Plain English)

• It reduces decoding load: if the hard part is “getting the words off the page,” TTS can carry that step.
• It supports sustained attention: a voice adds rhythm and momentum, which can help prevent re-reading the same line repeatedly.
• It reduces fatigue: switching some reading from visual-only to audio-supported can be less draining for long sessions.

Setup That Works for Most People

1. Open Read‑Aloud and paste your text.
2. Set speed to 0.9× (start slightly slow).
3. Pick a voice that feels calm and clear (use the voice picker to preview).
4. Read in short chunks (3–10 minutes), then pause.

Technique 1: Dual Reading (Listen + Follow)

Dual reading is simple: you let the voice read, while your eyes follow along lightly. You’re not trying to “win a speed contest.” You’re trying to keep comprehension high.

• If you lose your place, don’t panic — pause, scroll a little, resume.
• For dense text, slow to 0.8×–0.95×.
• For familiar text, speed up slightly to maintain engagement.

Technique 2: Chunking (Stop Before You’re Exhausted)

A common trap is reading until you’re depleted, then quitting. Try “planned stops” instead.

• Set a goal like: 1 heading section or 5 minutes, then a 1-minute break.
• After each chunk: say (out loud or on paper) a 1-sentence summary: “This section is about…”

Technique 3: The “Preview Pass” (Reduce Anxiety)

If starting a long document feels overwhelming, do a fast first pass:

1. Listen only to headings and the first sentence of each paragraph.
2. Then go back and do the full listen/read for the sections that matter.

ADHD-Friendly Focus Tricks

• Choose a slightly faster pace (1.05×–1.2×) if slow speech causes your mind to wander.
• Use “active listening”: keep a notepad open and write down just 3 keywords per paragraph.
• Remove friction: full-screen the browser or close extra tabs before starting.
• Pair with a short timer: 7 minutes on, 2 minutes off. Repeat.

What to Do When You Keep Replaying the Same Sentence

This happens to everyone. Here’s a simple reset:

1. Stop.
2. Scroll up one paragraph.
3. Lower speed by 0.1×.
4. Resume and aim only to understand the “main point,” not every detail.

School & Work Use‑Cases

• Reading assignments: listen to a section, then write a 2–3 sentence summary.
• Instructions/checklists: paste steps and listen while doing the task.
• Proofreading: use TTS to catch missing words and awkward phrasing (see Proofread by Ear).

Next: Study with TTS · How to Use Read‑Aloud · All Guides