Mathematics and ADHD
 

Do you have difficult (extreme level) learning math?

Did medication make you good?

Re: Mathematics and ADHD
 

No, I have always been very good at math. For me, it was great that math was about grasping concepts rather than cramming random chunks of information into my brain. Its a bit like solving puzzles to me, and I usually found it rewarding (presumably because I was actually good at solving them in the first place).

Re: Mathematics and ADHD
 

No, in fact, math and anything related to it were the only subjects I did well in in school and college.

Re: Mathematics and ADHD
 

I am absolutely horrible with math.

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Re: Mathematics and ADHD
 

I'm good with math when I learn it at my own pace but struggle with classroom instruction.

Re: Mathematics and ADHD
 

Mathematics was horrible for me and my utter failure to work out or derive formulae pretty much made it impossible to pursue any of the career paths I was originally interested in.

Re: Mathematics and ADHD
 

I was pretty excellent at maths in school. But I hardly ever did the practice exercises or homework, so as soon as I got to the point where I needed to study (the last few years of high school and ESPECIALLY the first year of college, where I dropped out) it got hard.

Re: Mathematics and ADHD
 

I'm crap at math. In fact...my math class this summer is the reason I got diagnosed at 34. No one had ever put 2 and 2 together (no pun intended) regarding my inability to do math, combined with all the other things... until I saw the counselor at school for another issue.

Yeah. So... I don't know about meds... I haven't started them yet. Will let you know though...if I ever take another math class.

Re: Mathematics and ADHD
 

I'm reasonably passable at math. My dad is some kind of math genius, severe ADHD. As a teacher, I know that math is not taught well for people who are predominantly visual. When I was in training I saw a demonstration for a math education system called Hands On Algebra. It was an awesome intuitive way to teach math, and I learned more in about three hours there than I did in all my years of algebra at school.

Also, I think it's also a matter of interest. As a very right brained person, I always thought, "Why do I need to do this math? How boring, because everyone arrives at the same answer. What's creative or fun about that?"

If I can't see it in my head, it doesn't work. When I think about math problems, I hate the fact that the formula just "is" and you have to learn it. But what does it mean and why? I could never figure that part out.

Also, there is a learning disability called dyscalculia which is like dyslexia except with numbers. If you have psych testing, they can determine that you have it when your score for working with numbers is significantly below your general IQ. And you can get help if you get a really good teacher.

Re: Mathematics and ADHD
 

I've always been so terrible in math that I feared it. I hated it. I can add, subtract, multiply and divide. I can figure out percentage, but that's basically it.

Re: Mathematics and ADHD
 

I was okay up through Algebra II, but pre-cal kicked my butt. I was not the fastest and it took a lot of work to get through the math that I did.

I was never able to do mental math or multi-step problem solving until I learned singapore math techniques.

Re: Mathematics and ADHD
 

im typically good at learning math. however when i cant figure something out i get volatile

Re: Mathematics and ADHD
 

I hit a point in most math classes that went beyond addition, subtraction, multiplication, etc. where I just could not understand. EVERY math class became the teacher sounding like the teacher in Peanuts (Snoopy). My brain couldn't cope so it shut them off.

I finally got a tutor, and the one on one explanations were immensely helpful. My sister who has done a huge amount of amateur research on ADHD says the way the brain chemistry works out, us ADHDers can be very slow at learning new concepts. But, once we get it, we can rock and roll. Not sure how many of you feel that way but I know I do.

Anyhow, one last thought on numbers in general. I have personally always felt #s just float out of my head. I have no memory for them. Retaining a number is like holding a slippery bar of soap for me. I know we all have issues of course with attention, but it seems a bit more exaggerated with numbers for me.

Re: Mathematics and ADHD
 

Sorry, I should also mention I have not started meds yet, but I am not taking a class or anything that would offer good evidence either way anyhow.

Re: Mathematics and ADHD
 

I'm awful at math, and always have been. I had to retake algebra in summer school since I failed it sophomore year. The only reason I passed the second time is because I sat next to a kid who was somehow able to explain it to me in a way I understood. I'll always be grateful to him. (I have forgotten the names of so many people I grew up with but I remember his, who I only knew for a few weeks over the summer, how weird.) I also barely passed geometry, and when I play pool I never bank because I can't figure out the angles.