My daughter (10) was recently diagnosed with ADHD and has been on medication for about a month. However, there are still a lot of ADHD associated behavioral issues popping up and they’re interfering with her schoolwork–especially Math. She’s even begun to think she’s “stupid” in Math despite being a very smart child. How can I help her think of ways to manage her ADHD and increase interest in Math? I don’t want to give her a higher dose of medication at such an early age. Thank you!
Anonymous
It’s great that you’re looking for more resources for your daughter! ADHD is very common, yet still often misunderstood. Math in particular is often a subject that people with ADHD struggle in, even with medication. Paired with RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, a symptom of ADHD) , being unable to force oneself to focus on Math when one’s peers seem to be able to do so effortlessly can lead to feelings of shame and a low self-esteem. Helping a student with ADHD requires patience, empathy, and an understanding of what the student is going through and how their brains operate. Here’s what we suggest!
- Make it matter: It’s easy for people with ADHD to look at a page of math problems and become immediately disconnected from them. Why? Because they don’t see their relevance to real life. Use manipulatives or real-life examples to make math more engaging and relevant to her life.
- Provide structure and routine: Establishing a consistent routine can help her stay organized and manage her time better. This can include specific times for homework, breaks, and other activities.
- Encourage movement breaks: ADHD often comes with a need for movement. Allow her to take short breaks to move around before returning to her work.
- Use positive reinforcement: Remember, her own brain is telling her that she’s terrible at math and this is likely compounding and could create shame. Praise her efforts and progress in math, even for achievements that seem small to you. It may seem trivial, but positive reinforcement can help build her confidence and motivation and keep her from developing a sense of shame around math and an avoidance of the subject altogether.
Resources We Love
Varsity Tutors is a great place to go for ADHD resources. We offer ADHD coaching, which can help your daughter develop strategies for managing her ADHD symptoms, math worksheets that cover different topics and skill levels, and resources for parents, including tips and strategies for supporting children with ADHD.