Washington DC, September 5
Actor Tom Holland was recently diagnosed with dyslexia and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). He shared how it sometimes hinders his craft and how he overcomes it, E! News reported.
"I have ADHD and I'm dyslexic, and I find sometimes when someone gives me a blank canvas that it can be slightly intimidating," said Tom, adding, "Sometimes you are met with those challenges when developing a character."
"Any way that you can, as a young person or as an adult, interact with something that forces you to be creative and forces you to think outside the box and make changes," he continued. "I think that the more we do that sort of stuff, the better," E! News reported.
Tom previously shared insight into how he combats his struggles with dyslexia, which he was diagnosed with at age 7.
The learning disability can affect reading and spelling, but the 29-year-old previously shared that he struggled most with the latter.
"My dyslexia, it's really just my spelling," he explained during a July 2023 appearance on Jay Shetty's On Purpose podcast, crediting his parents, Dominic Holland and Nikki Holland, for their support. "My spelling was really the biggest hurdle. I worked really hard at school. I didn't do particularly well but my parents said, 'As long as you try your best,'" E! News reported.
Considering Tom has managed to not only overcome his disorders but also thrive with them, he also shared some advice to fans struggling with similar endeavours.
"It's about taking your time," he said in an interview in 2021. "Giving yourself the appropriate amount of time to do the things you need to do. The better prepared you are for anything, the more you'll be able to do and accomplish things that are fantastic," E! News reported.
— ANI
Reader Comments
His parents' attitude of "as long as you try your best" is exactly what Indian parents need to adopt. Too much pressure on academic performance only damages children's confidence.
As someone with ADHD, I relate so much to the "blank canvas" feeling. It's not laziness - our brains just work differently. More power to him for finding ways to work with it rather than against it!
While I appreciate his openness, I wish he'd mentioned getting professional help too. In India, many people think celebrities can "overcome" things through willpower alone, but therapy and medication are important options.
Amazing how he turned his challenges into strengths! This gives hope to so many young Indians who feel limited by their learning differences. Your disability doesn't define your ability! 💪
My son has dyslexia and this article made me emotional. We need more successful role models showing that learning differences don't stop you from achieving great things. Sharing this with his school teachers!
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