Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common disorder affecting millions of school-age children and adults across the U. S. It’s characterized by hyperactivity, impulsiveness and difficulty concentrating.
But does this mean that kids with ADHD struggle in school, particularly in math?
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurological disorder that can significantly impact how an individual thinks, feels and acts. It is a life-long disorder that can cause difficulty in completing tasks, paying attention and controlling emotions. Additionally, individuals affected by ADHD often have difficulty focusing, difficulty following directions, poor time management and organizational skills, and may struggle to complete school-age tasks.
Although people with ADHD face challenges in numerous areas, one of the most common is academic performance. As such, schools often provide extra support to those with ADHD, in an effort to ensure that they perform at their highest potential.
But do the extra supports mean that ADHD kids are able to perform just as well as their peers when it comes to math?
Does ADHD Have an Impact on Children’s Math Performance?
The answer to this question is both yes and no. Numerous research studies indicate that children with ADHD often experience difficulties in math due to the disorder’s impact on their ability to concentrate and focus for long periods of time.
However, with appropriate supports and accommodations, such as extended time on tests, or access to a calculator, many children with ADHD can be just as successful with math as those without the disorder. Moreover, research has indicated that individuals with ADHD may actually have an advantage when it comes to certain areas of math. Specifically, research from the Journal of Attention Disorders suggests that individuals with ADHD may have a better ability to recognize patterns and recognize relationships between numbers and patterns faster than those without the disorder.
This comes as no surprise considering that individuals with ADHD often have a high degree of mental agility and visual-spatial aptitude that can come in handy in a math class.
ADHD and Math Challenges: A Closer Look
While some research has suggested that students with ADHD may have a certain advantage when it comes to certain areas of math, they still face difficulties in the classroom. These difficulties are the result of the core symptoms of the disorder, which can lead to difficulty in organizing, planning, and prioritizing tasks. For example, a student with ADHD may struggle to keep track of math assignments and worksheets, which can lead to missed or incomplete work.
Similarly, the sensory overload that is often experienced by those with ADHD can make it difficult to concentrate and retain information, both of which are necessary for mastering math skills. The key to success for children with ADHD in math, then, is learning how to cope and manage the symptoms of their disorder.
Fortunately, there are interventions that can help individuals with ADHD to cope with their struggles and work towards success in the math classroom. The use of “thinking skills”, such as problem-solving, context clue-use, and decision-making skills, can help individuals with ADHD to work through difficult equations and solve complex math problems. Additionally, strategies like creating visual representations of equations and strategies such as breaking down problems into smaller, more manageable chunks can be effective in helping students with ADHD to focus and complete assignments.
Creating Strategies for Success
It’s important for parents, teachers and other/professionals working with students with ADHD to identify strategies for success in math. This may include providing extended time on tests, providing a distraction-free environment, breaking down assignments into smaller chunks, and encouraging the use of visual representations.
Additionally, providing accommodations such as the use of a calculator or providing math assignments orally can be incredibly helpful. Finally, teachers should ensure that they are aware of the individual needs of the students they are working with and be willing to provide assistance whenever necessary.
Conclusion
Many students with ADHD face difficulties in math due to their disorder. However, with the right accommodations and strategies, success in the math classroom is possible.
By utilizing problem-solving skills, creating visual representations, breaking down problems into smaller chunks, and providing accommodations such as extended time, students with ADHD can be just as successful in math as their peers without the disorder. It’s important for educators, parents and other professionals working with students with ADHD to create strategies for success, and be aware of the individualized needs of each student. With the right support and structure, every student can succeed – regardless of their diagnosis.