Yes, ADHD can make math difficult due to issues with focus, working memory, and executive function, but people with ADHD can absolutely excel at math with the right strategies, engagement, and support, as it's not a lack of ability but a difference in processing, often involving challenges with multi-step problems, fact recall, and task switching, rather than inherent inability. The inattentive type often struggles more, but conceptual, engaging, or interest-driven math can become a strength, even leading to "superfocus".
The students with ADHD also performed better in certain subject areas than those without ADHD. These included the arts, creative writing, science discovery, and architecture.
The 20-minute rule for ADHD is a productivity strategy to overcome task paralysis by committing to work on a task for just 20 minutes, leveraging the brain's need for dopamine and short bursts of focus, making it easier to start and build momentum, with the option to stop or continue after the timer goes off, and it's a variation of the Pomodoro Technique, adapted for ADHD's unique challenges like time blindness. It helps by reducing overwhelm, providing a clear starting point, and creating a dopamine-boosting win, even if you only work for that short period.
Struggles with reading, writing, and math are common among students with ADHD. Use these strategies and tools to help your child overcome these and other learning challenges in core school subjects.
Albert Einstein, Physicist & Mathematician
Although it can't be proven, many scholars and historians believe that Einstein one of the greatest minds of all-time, had ADHD.
However, Bill Gates ADHD did not stop him from reaching the most incredible professional heights in his life.
Studies suggest that people with ADHD often exhibit better-than-average coordination and reaction times, which makes them suited to fast-moving sports such as basketball or football, where quick decision-making and adaptability are essential [2][5]. ADHD can also be an advantage in academic and professional settings.
The ADHD "30% Rule" is a guideline suggesting that executive functions (like self-regulation, planning, and emotional control) in people with ADHD develop about 30% slower than in neurotypical individuals, meaning a 10-year-old might function more like a 7-year-old in these areas, requiring adjusted expectations for maturity, task management, and behavior. It's a tool for caregivers and adults with ADHD to set realistic goals, not a strict scientific law, helping to reduce frustration by matching demands to the person's actual developmental level (executive age) rather than just their chronological age.
Why are my ADHD symptoms getting worse?
Increase stress relief by exercising outdoors—people with ADHD often benefit from sunshine and green surroundings. Try relaxing forms of exercise, such as mindful walking, yoga, or tai chi. In addition to relieving stress, they can teach you to better control your attention and impulses.
For adults, 7-8 hours is recommended. Try to avoid napping during the day. Optimise your sleep environment. Make sure your environment is quiet, calm and comfortable.
The ADHD burnout cycle is a pattern where constant effort to manage ADHD symptoms (like executive dysfunction, overstimulation, and masking) leads to extreme mental/physical exhaustion, a "crash," and a shame spiral, often followed by trying to overcompensate again, repeating the cycle. It involves phases like the initial push/overcompensation, the struggle/stress, the collapse/shutdown, and the guilt-ridden recovery attempt, resulting in fatigue, irritability, procrastination, and disengagement from life.
The five gifts of ADHD include creativity, emotional sensitivity, exuberance, interpersonal empathy, and being nature-smart (The Gift of Adult ADD, 2008).
Passion-driven and hyperfocus jobs
Many adults with ADHD describe experiencing "hyperfocus" when engaged in work they care deeply about. Some examples of passion-driven roles are: Marine ecologist or aquatic science technician. Speech pathologist, occupational therapist, or psychologist.
Private Schools
Many private schools have the resources and the staff that will help children who struggle with ADHD. In a private school, your child won't have to give up social interactions with other students, and they'll still be in an encouraging academic setting.
As a Psychologist With ADHD, Here Are 6 Things That Get On Our...
People with ADHD often thrive when they incorporate movement, pursue passion-driven challenges, foster social relationships, and practice mindfulness. Creating a structured yet flexible routine can also improve focus and boost overall happiness.
Read on for a list of foods that may be linked with ADHD symptoms.
The ADHD "2-Minute Rule" suggests doing any task taking under two minutes immediately to build momentum, but it often backfires by derailing focus due to weak working memory, time blindness, and transition difficulties in people with ADHD. A better approach is to write down these quick tasks on a separate "catch-all" list instead of interrupting your main work, then schedule specific times to review and tackle them, or use a slightly longer timeframe like a 5-minute rule to prevent getting lost down "rabbit holes".
Symptoms appear before the age of 12. They usually become more obvious from age seven to nine. ADHD is diagnosed when a child's symptoms are excessive, last for a number of months and occur in two or more settings.
The only way to know for sure is to see a doctor. That's because the disorder has several possible symptoms, and they can easily be confused with those of other conditions, such as depression or anxiety. Everyone misplaces car keys or jackets once in a while. But this kind of thing happens often when you have ADHD.
Avoid These 6 Jobs If You Have ADHD, According to an ADHD Psychologist
The best lifestyle for ADHD involves a foundation of balanced nutrition (whole foods, lean protein, < Omega-3s, reduced sugar/processed items), consistent, engaging exercise, and excellent sleep hygiene (routine, dark room, no screens). Key additions include stress management (mindfulness, yoga, breaks), strong organization (planners, lists, reminders), and building supportive routines and environments, complementing any formal treatment.
The 24-hour rule for ADHD is a self-regulation strategy to combat impulsivity by creating a mandatory waiting period (often a full day) before reacting to emotionally charged situations or making significant decisions, allowing time for reflection and reducing regretful snap judgments, especially for things like impulse purchases or arguments. It's a pause button that gives the brain space to process, move from impulse to intention, and evaluate choices more logically, helping manage ADHD's impact on emotional regulation and decision-making.