ADHD and Dyscalculia - Can They Occur Together?

Did you know that kids with ADHD are twice as likely to have Dyscalculia?

About 18% of kids with ADHD are estimated to also have Dyscalculia according to one study. The intersection of ADHD and dyscalculia creates a unique set of challenges that affects both learning and daily life in ways many people don't expect.

It's not exactly known why they occur together - there doesn't seem to a causal relationship, so the current best guess is that the genetic factors leading to both of these are similar.

These two conditions often work together like pieces of a complex puzzle, impacting everything from classroom performance to social interactions.

Understanding ADHD and Dyscalculia

ADHD is a Neurodivergent condition that shows up in three main ways: trouble paying attention, being overly active, and acting without thinking first.

Children with ADHD often find it hard to focus during class, stay in their seats, or follow teachers' directions. Parents might notice their child often loses track of time, moves around constantly, or speaks out of turn during conversations.

Dyscalculia is a Math Learning Disability that makes math tasks difficult. People with this condition struggle to understand numbers, perform calculations, and grasp basic math concepts.

Students with dyscalculia often have trouble counting objects, working with money, and telling time. They may find it challenging to remember math facts or compare quantities. Young children might show early signs like difficulty recognizing number patterns or understanding "more than" and "less than" relationships.

The Co-occurrence of ADHD and Dyscalculia

When ADHD and dyscalculia appear together, it can make math tasks especially challenging for children with both conditions.

ADHD can make a child distracted when they are solving problems about multiplication for example.
At the same time, Dyscalculia can make it hard for the child to understand what Multiplication is.

This can affect how well students perform in math class. They may need extra time on tests, struggle with mental math, and have difficulty organizing multi-step problems.

Many adults have reported on Reddit what their experience of this co-occurence was.

For example, one person reports -

As far as symptoms of dyscalculia, counting backwards is difficult, In school, I could not recall the steps to solve a problem even though I may have done a lot of them the day before, I’m terrible at spatial as in there are 500- or maybe there are 2,000 marbles in a jar, I have trouble with verbal directions, remembering rules to and often playing card/board games and other things

Another person shares on a different thread -

I was diagnosed with dyscalculia in seventh grade when the school had me tested. I can't do beyond 3rd grade level math. I can do simple addition and subtraction with up to 2 digit regrouping, but not more than that. I can do multiplication and long division provided the regrouping is relatively simple. I do comprehend fractions and percentages pretty well. That's it.

Children with ADHD and Dyscalculia face challenges beyond the classroom. At home, they might struggle with managing time, organizing daily tasks, and handling money during shopping trips. Simple activities like planning game strategies or keeping score during sports can become frustrating experiences.

Social situations often present hurdles too. These children may find it hard to wait their turn in group activities or follow complex rules in playground games.

Strategies for Parents to Support their Children

First, it's important to get a correct diagnosis.

If you suspect your child has ADHD, getting a formal diagnosis can help you access more resources that can help your child. But don't stop there - also try to diagnose whether your child has any learning disabilities, such as Dyslexia or Dyscalculia. Knowing this early can help you support them better.

Parents can help children with ADHD and dyscalculia by setting up clear daily routines at home. A set schedule for homework, meals, and bedtime creates a stable environment where kids can better manage their tasks.

Using charts and visual aids makes math practice more hands-on. Breaking down math problems into smaller steps helps children stay focused and build confidence. Regular classroom accommodations for sensory processing challenges along with breaks during study time keep children alert and ready to learn.

Classroom Accommodations and Interventions

Teachers can support students with ADHD and dyscalculia by giving extra time on math tests and assignments. Visual aids, number lines, and counting blocks make math concepts more concrete and easier to grasp.

Apps like Monster Math too focus on digital aids, to help kids understand Math visually, before moving to abstract representations.

Schools often create individualized education programs (IEPs) for these students. These plans might include smaller group instruction, quiet testing spaces, and frequent movement breaks. Teachers can also allow students to use calculators or math fact sheets when needed.

At-home Learning Techniques and Activities

Parents can make math practice more effective by using hands-on materials like blocks, cards, and coins. Breaking math problems into small steps helps children stay on track and build confidence.

Games that mix movement with learning work well for children with ADHD. Simple activities like counting jumps or sorting objects by color keep kids focused while practicing math skills, while helping them visualise Math can counter Dyscalculia to some extent.

Math apps and online games offer another way to practice skills. These tools provide instant feedback and allow children to work at their own pace.

Collaboration Between Parents and Teachers

Regular meetings and open communication between parents and teachers create a strong support system for children with ADHD and dyscalculia. Teachers can share classroom strategies that work, while parents can provide insights about their child's learning style at home.

Parents benefit from sharing daily routines and behavioral techniques with teachers. This exchange helps create consistent approaches across both settings. Many schools offer communication apps or weekly progress reports to keep everyone updated on the student's development.

Long-term Outlook and Management

ADHD and dyscalculia stay with people throughout their lives, but many people learn effective ways to work with these conditions. As children grow older, their needs and challenges change, requiring updates to their support plans and learning methods.

Children can build strong coping skills by learning to speak up about their needs and trying different study methods. Parents and teachers should adjust their support as students move through school grades, helping them become more independent with each step.

Looking Ahead with Hope and Support

While living with ADHD and dyscalculia presents significant challenges, the growing awareness and understanding of these conditions have led to better support systems and interventions than ever before. With the right combination of educational strategies, technological tools, and collaborative support, children can develop effective coping mechanisms and achieve their full potential.