ADHD and dyscalculia: when attention and mathematics are both affected
ADHD and dyscalculia frequently coexist, and their interactions make mathematical learning particularly difficult. Understanding how these two disorders combine is essential for truly effective support.
Distinct mechanisms that feed into each other
ADHD and dyscalculia are two distinct disorders with different neurological mechanisms. ADHD is a disorder of attention and executive function. Dyscalculia is a specific disorder of numerical processing. However, their effects feed into each other in mathematics. The attentional difficulties of ADHD worsen dyscalculic difficulties: a child who loses track of a mathematical procedure because of their ADHD makes more errors than their dyscalculic difficulties alone would lead to. And dyscalculia generates a cognitive overload during mathematical tasks that drains the already limited attentional resources of ADHD.
Support that addresses both disorders
Treating only ADHD without considering dyscalculia, or vice versa, produces insufficient results. Optimal support is multidisciplinary: the doctor or paediatric psychiatrist for ADHD, the speech and language therapist for dyscalculia. Both professionals need to communicate and coordinate their approaches to maximise the overall effectiveness of the support.
Common school adjustments
Some adjustments benefit both disorders at the same time. Extra time compensates for both the slowness caused by dyscalculia and the lapses in attention caused by ADHD. A calculator reduces the cognitive load of calculations and frees up attentional resources. Breaking tasks into smaller parts maintains attention and reduces dyscalculic overload. And a calm, structured working environment benefits both.
The importance of prioritising goals
When both disorders coexist, it is important to prioritise therapeutic goals according to the impact of each disorder on the child’s quality of life. In some cases ADHD has a greater impact and should be treated as a priority. In others, dyscalculia is the main obstacle. This prioritisation, carried out in consultation with the various professionals, makes it possible to optimise the available therapeutic resources. For resources on dyscalculia and its support, ladyscalculie.fr offers comprehensive guides for families.
