The ADHD and Math Connection
By Dr. Mary Rooney, Ph.D.
Children with ADHD often struggle with math. Difficulties with sustained attention, working memory (manipulating numbers in your head), organization and planning all interfere with math learning and performance. Starting from an early age, children with ADHD struggle to memorize math facts and are prone to making errors on simple math problems. As they progress through school, they may struggle with word problems and more complex calculations by missing key details or having difficulty sequencing problem-solving steps. As a result, it’s not uncommon for students with ADHD to be performing at least one year below grade level in math even when they don’t have a specific learning disorder. This can be incredibly frustrating for parents and teachers, and the student themselves – especially when they know that they are capable of doing better.
Although math may not come easily to children with ADHD, most can perform at grade level with modified instruction and additional support. Pushing children with ADHD to reach their full potential in math is important! So, while it may be tempting to let your child slide in math and allow them to focus instead on subjects that come more easily, you will help your child in the long run if you provide the math support, they need now.
Here are a few tips to help get your child on track and keep them learning:
- Identify your child’s math learning style. Is your child a visual learner? Do they learn best by doing? Do they benefit from drawing or mapping out the process, or from having tangible items that can be manipulated? Do they need someone to verbally explain math logic and reasoning in a one-on-one or group setting? Once you get an idea of how your child learns, work with your child’s teacher to put strategies into place that match your child’s style.
- Have your child memorize basic math facts. Have your child “overlearn” these facts so they can recall them quickly and easily. This will help them work through math problems more quickly, more confidently, and with fewer errors. It’s never too late to commit math facts to memory. If your child didn’t master them in elementary school, help your child do it now.
- Help your child connect with math. Children with ADHD find it easier to stay focused and motivated when they are interested in a subject. Help make math interesting for your child! Math is essential to almost every aspect of our lives, including every sport, music, art, and technology-related interests that your child may have. Do some research with your child to learn how math is important to the things they enjoy.
- Get extra support. Some children with ADHD simply need extra support at school or outside of school with the help of a tutor. Request an assessment and extra support from your child’s school if you think your child is not keeping up.
With extra support, encouragement, and motivation, children with ADHD can succeed at math, and may even learn to love the subject!
ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY
Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers.
ABOUT HUNTINGTON
Huntington Learning Center is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com.
This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.
