If you had a clear, numeric explanation of what you actually need to solve, you might find it much easier to answer the question correctly.ĪDHD symptoms can make math more difficult. After all, “times” often refers to multiplication, so you could assume the question wants to know, “What’s 8 x 48?” Written numerically, this question is simply asking: “What’s 48 ÷ 8?”īut according to a 2012 study, people with ADHD may not always catch these kinds of meanings. Some people with ADHD also find it challenging to parse out phrases with multiple meanings.Ĭonsider, for example, this question: “How many times does 8 fit into 48?” This distraction can make it hard to remember you’ve moved on to a different type of problem. As you begin to answer multiplication questions, you may still have the division rules floating around in your mind. For example, you might find it easier to transition from a math equation to a science question without the same difficulty.īut ADHD can make it difficult to determine the most relevant information for the problem at hand. The issue isn’t the act of switching itself, but switching quickly between similar tasks. You might accidentally keep using division rules when the worksheet shifts to multiplication. Maybe the top half of your exam has division problems and the bottom half has multiplication problems. Filtering informationĪ small 2019 study suggests people with ADHD tend to make more errors when shifting between types of math problems. In a nutshell, the same genetic factors that affect your ability to focus may also have an impact on your mathematical abilities. But if you skim over a negative sign when reviewing a problem, you’ll likely end up with the wrong answer, even when you solve the rest of the problem correctly.Ī 2015 review of studies found that people with the inattentive type of ADHD tend to be more likely to have trouble with mathematics than people with the hyperactive type. If you have ADHD, you may know perfectly well how to add and subtract negative numbers. Math, as a general rule, requires close attention to detail.Ĭonsider, for example, minor details like negative signs. Or, when you pick the equation back up, you might end up forgetting which number you needed to multiply by 4. If you have ADHD, you might solve the first step of the problem, then lose your place as you try to remember the order of operations. Then, you can multiply 3 x 4 to get the answer (12).First, you’d need to solve for 1 + 2 in the parentheses (3).This can make it harder to do math problems with multiple steps.įor example, say you get the equation (1 + 2) x 4. However, 2017 research shows ADHD can cause problems with your working memory. It allows you to hold snippets of information in your head for 15 to 30 seconds. You can think of your working memory as your brain’s copy-paste function. So, why do people with ADHD tend to have trouble with math? A few different reasons help explain the connection. Read on to learn more about how ADHD can affect math skills, plus get some guidance on finding support. In fact, there’s a lot you can do to improve your performance. Having ADHD also does not mean you’re doomed to fail math class. ADHD is a mental health condition, not a sign of your work ethic or intelligence. This can feel frustrating, absolutely, but know that it’s not your fault. If you have ADHD, you may find your academic performance consistently falls short of what you know you can do. ADHD symptoms can make it more difficult to: According to estimates from the American Psychiatric Association, around 8.4 percent of children and 2.5 percent of adults live with ADHD.Ī 2015 review suggests many people with ADHD have trouble in school, and math class in particular. Share on Pinterest Kristin Rogers Photography/Stocksy UnitedĪttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect your ability to focus and make decisions.
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