Hello, friends!
Today, we're diving into a topic that doesn’t get talked about enough: how ADHD can make reading and math more difficult, especially for kids (but also for adults!). If you or your child have ever struggled with reading comprehension, remembering numbers, or getting through even basic math problems, you are not alone.
👉 Drop a "yes" in the comments if reading feels harder than it should, and make sure to follow for more ADHD and mental wellness content!
Why ADHD Affects Reading and Math
Most people think ADHD is just about struggling with focus—but it's so much more than that. ADHD impacts how we process, retain, and retrieve information. And this plays a huge role in how we handle tasks like reading and math.
Let’s break it down a bit.
Reading with ADHD: Why It’s So Tricky
Have you ever read an entire page only to realize you have no idea what you just read? Yep—classic ADHD.
Here’s why:
Working memory challenges mean you can read one sentence and forget it by the next paragraph.
ADHD brains often struggle with sustained attention, making long reading sessions feel exhausting.
Even without dyslexia, reading can be mentally tiring—especially when focus is constantly drifting.
Imagine This:
Trying to read with ADHD is like watching a movie where someone keeps pausing, rewinding, and skipping scenes every 30 seconds. Confusing, right? That’s what reading can feel like to an ADHD brain.
Math and ADHD: A Complicated Relationship
Now let’s talk numbers.
Math can feel like a nightmare, especially when it comes to:
Multi-step problems – It’s easy to forget which step you’re on.
Slow processing speed – Even if you understand the problem, it takes longer to work through it.
Poor fact recall – Multiplication tables and math facts don’t always “stick.”
Impulsivity – Rushing leads to careless mistakes, even if you know the material.
“It’s not that my kid doesn’t know the math. It’s the small mistakes that happen when they rush and don’t double-check.”
Sound familiar?
The Upside of the ADHD Brain
ADHD brains aren’t broken—they just work differently. And that difference comes with some amazing strengths!
Big picture thinking – ADHDers often make creative connections others miss.
Verbal strengths – Great at storytelling, summarizing, and debate.
Innovative problem-solving – Thinking outside the box can be a superpower, especially in high-level math.
The Challenges of Traditional Learning
Despite these strengths, traditional teaching methods often fall short:
Repetitive drills (like memorization) aren’t always effective.
Step-by-step thinking can be frustrating.
Distractions lead to restarting tasks over and over again.
So… what do we do?
ADHD-Friendly Strategies for Reading and Math
Let’s get into the good stuff—what actually helps.
📖 Reading Strategies for ADHD:
Listen while you read – Use audiobooks or text-to-speech apps to boost comprehension.
Highlight key points – Keeps your brain engaged.
Read in short bursts – Break reading into smaller chunks.
Summarize often – Ask yourself, “What did I just read?” every few paragraphs.
Try different environments – Some people need background noise; others need total quiet.
➗ Math Strategies for ADHD:
Write out every step – Helps prevent skipped steps.
Use color coding and visuals – Makes numbers more engaging and easier to follow.
Gamify math – Use apps like Prodigy, or flashcards with rewards.
Use a timer – Racing against the clock can improve focus and motivation.
Final Thoughts
ADHD can make reading and math harder—but that doesn't mean you or your child isn’t smart. It simply means you need to find strategies that align with how your brain works.
So if this post was helpful in any way, please share it with someone who needs to hear this. And if you want more ADHD strategies or tips for mental wellness, don’t forget to follow, like, and subscribe.
Thanks so much for spending this time with me. I’ll see you in the next post!
