Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 4, 2025 · Entertainment

Tom Holland Reveals: How ADHD and Dyslexia Shape His Acting

Tom Holland, 29, has opened up about his daily struggle with ADHD and dyslexia as he revealed his diagnosis for the first time in a candid admission (pictured in 2023)

Tom Holland Spills the Tea on His Secret Struggle with ADHD and Dyslexia

In a shocking revelation, Tom Holland has opened up about his long-held secret: he's been living with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia. The 29-year-old Spider-Man star made the candid confession in an interview with IGN, giving fans a glimpse into the challenges he faces on and off set.

The Highs and Lows of Being a Superhero

The Spider-Man actor explained that he can find situations at work, such as character building 'intimidating' due to his conditions

Holland's diagnosis has been a closely guarded secret until now, but the actor's struggles are all too familiar. ADHD can cause individuals to have trouble concentrating and sitting still, making everyday tasks a daunting challenge. For Holland, it's no different - even when he's playing Spider-Man, he finds character development "intimidating" at times.

Imagine being one of the most iconic superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and struggling with something as fundamental as reading and writing. That's the reality for Holland, who has dyslexia, a common learning difficulty that affects millions worldwide. Despite his diagnosis, he's never let it hold him back - instead, he's channeled his creativity and determination into his acting career.

From ADHD to Superhero

Tom has not opened up about his learning difficulties in the past but according to Golexic, his dyslexia affects his reading and writing

Holland's journey with ADHD and dyslexia began in school, where he faced numerous challenges. However, rather than letting them define him, he turned those obstacles into opportunities for growth. As a result, he developed a strong work ethic that has served him well in his acting career.

In fact, Holland credits his dyslexia for helping him become an even better actor. He believes it's enhanced his creativity and intuition, allowing him to approach roles with a unique perspective. This is evident in his latest project, a short film for Lego, where he embodies a diverse range of characters - from a space marine to a toddler.

Fans React to the Latest Spider-Man Suit

Tom recently starred in a new short film for Lego and embodied a varied cast of characters

Just last month, Holland gave fans a sneak peek at his updated costume for the upcoming sequel, Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The suit is a far cry from its predecessors, with bold red and blue colors and a striking black spider emblem on his chest. Fans were quick to weigh in on social media, with some praising the new design while others expressed disappointment.

A Superhero's Secret Struggle

Holland's openness about his ADHD and dyslexia is a testament to his courage and determination. By speaking out, he hopes to inspire others who may be struggling with similar challenges. His story serves as a reminder that even the most seemingly confident individuals can face their own set of struggles.

Tom first appears as a space marine, quickly realising he should never simply follow orders and abandon the fun of play

As the MCU continues to grow and evolve, it's clear that Holland's experience will only add to the richness and depth of his performances. Will his new Spider-Man suit be enough to save the day? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - with his secret revealed, fans will be cheering him on more than ever.

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It's a theme which continues throughout a whirlwind of other scenes, as he also appears as a professional soccer player, an inventor, a senior citizen, a toddler, a LEGO minifigure, a goateed artist and then a grumpy executive