When your child with autism or ADHD struggles with mathematics, it can be difficult to determine whether the challenges are related to their existing neurodevelopmental condition or if there’s something else at play. Could your child have dyscalculia alongside their autism or ADHD diagnosis?
At Young Wellbeing Hub, we frequently work with families navigating the complex intersection of multiple neurodevelopmental conditions. Understanding dyscalculia and how it presents in children with autism and ADHD can help you better support your child’s learning and advocate for appropriate educational support.
What is dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia is a specific learning difficulty that affects a person’s ability to understand, process, and work with numbers and mathematical concepts. Often called “mathematics dyslexia,” dyscalculia impacts approximately 5-7% of the population and can range from mild to severe.
Children with dyscalculia may struggle with:
- Understanding number concepts and relationships
- Performing basic arithmetic operations
- Recognising number patterns
- Estimating quantities and measurements
- Understanding mathematical symbols and their meanings
- Applying mathematical concepts to real-world situations
Unlike general mathematics difficulties that might result from poor teaching or lack of practice, dyscalculia is a neurological condition that affects how the brain processes numerical information.
The connection between dyscalculia, autism, and ADHD
Research shows that neurodevelopmental conditions often co-occur, with many children having multiple diagnoses that interact in complex ways.
Co-occurrence rates
- Children with autism are more likely to have additional learning difficulties, including dyscalculia
- ADHD and dyscalculia frequently occur together, with some studies suggesting co-occurrence rates of 15-25%
- The combination of autism, ADHD, and dyscalculia is not uncommon, though exact prevalence rates vary
Overlapping brain networks
All three conditions involve differences in:
- Executive functioning and working memory
- Attention and concentration abilities
- Information processing speeds
- Sensory processing and integration
These overlapping neurological differences can make it challenging to distinguish between conditions and may amplify mathematical learning difficulties.
How dyscalculia presents in children with autism
Children with autism who also have dyscalculia may show unique patterns of mathematical difficulty that differ from neurotypical children with dyscalculia.
Common Signs in Autism and Dyscalculia
Number concept difficulties
- Struggling to understand that numbers represent quantities
- Difficulty with number recognition and sequencing
- Problems understanding mathematical relationships (greater than, less than)
- Challenges with place value concepts
Pattern recognition issues
- Difficulty identifying mathematical patterns, despite often being good at other types of pattern recognition
- Struggles with skip counting and multiplication tables
- Problems understanding mathematical sequences
Abstract thinking challenges
- Difficulty moving from concrete to abstract mathematical concepts
- Problems understanding mathematical symbols and their meanings
- Challenges applying mathematical knowledge to new situations
Social mathematical context
- Difficulty understanding mathematical problems presented in social contexts
- Challenges with word problems that require understanding of social situations
- Problems with mathematical concepts involving social scenarios (sharing, trading, etc.)
Autism-Specific Factors That May Mask or Complicate Dyscalculia
- Special interests: Some autistic children may appear to have strong mathematical abilities if mathematics aligns with their special interests, potentially masking underlying dyscalculia in certain areas while excelling in others.
- Rigid thinking patterns: The preference for routine and sameness in autism might make it difficult to apply mathematical concepts flexibly, which could be mistaken for or compound dyscalculia symptoms.
- Sensory processing: Sensory sensitivities may affect how mathematical information is processed and understood, particularly when using manipulatives or visual aids.
- Communication differences: Difficulties expressing mathematical understanding verbally might mask true comprehension levels or make assessment challenging.
How dyscalculia presents in children with ADHD
ADHD and dyscalculia share several overlapping features, making identification particularly complex.
Common signs in ADHD and dyscalculia
Working memory challenges
- Difficulty holding mathematical information in mind while solving problems
- Problems remembering mathematical procedures and steps
- Challenges with multi-step mathematical operations
- Forgetting mathematical facts that seemed well-learned
Attention and focus issues
- Difficulty sustaining attention during mathematical tasks
- Problems focusing on mathematical details
- Challenges maintaining concentration during lengthy mathematical problems
- Difficulty filtering out distracting elements in mathematical problems
Processing speed difficulties
- Slower mathematical processing compared to peers
- Need for extra time to complete mathematical tasks
- Difficulty with timed mathematical assessments
- Problems keeping up with mathematical instruction pace
Executive function impacts
- Difficulty organizing mathematical work and materials
- Problems with mathematical problem-solving strategies
- Challenges planning approaches to complex mathematical problems
- Difficulty monitoring mathematical work for errors
ADHD-specific factors that may complicate dyscalculia recognition
Hyperactivity and impulsivity
- Rushing through mathematical problems without careful consideration
- Making careless errors that might be attributed to ADHD rather than dyscalculia
- Difficulty sitting still during mathematical instruction
Inconsistent performance
- Mathematical abilities may fluctuate based on attention, medication, and environmental factors
- Good days and bad days might make it difficult to identify consistent patterns
Motivation and interest
- Mathematical difficulties might be attributed to lack of interest rather than underlying learning difficulties
- Avoidance behaviors might develop, making assessment challenging
Triple diagnosis: Autism, ADHD, and dyscalculia
When a child has all three conditions, the challenges can be particularly complex and interconnected.
Compounding effects
- Executive function difficulties from both autism and ADHD can severely impact mathematical learning
- Sensory processing differences from autism combined with attention difficulties from ADHD can make mathematical instruction overwhelming
- Social communication challenges may affect understanding of mathematical word problems
- Rigid thinking patterns may interact with attention difficulties to create unique learning challenges
Strengths that may emerge
- Systematic thinking from autism might help with certain mathematical concepts
- Hyperfocus from ADHD might benefit mathematical learning when interest is high
- Pattern recognition abilities might support some areas of mathematical learning
- Attention to detail might help with mathematical accuracy when sustained attention is possible
Identifying dyscalculia in neurodivergent children
Recognizing dyscalculia in children who already have autism or ADHD diagnoses requires careful assessment that considers the complex interactions between conditions.
Red flags to watch for
Early years (ages 3-6)
- Difficulty learning to count or recognizing numbers
- Problems understanding concepts of more, less, bigger, smaller
- Challenges with simple mathematical games and activities
- Difficulty understanding time concepts (before, after, yesterday, tomorrow)
- Problems with spatial concepts and directions
Primary school years (ages 6-11)
- Persistent difficulties with basic number facts despite adequate instruction
- Problems understanding place value and number relationships
- Difficulty with mental mathematics and estimation
- Challenges learning mathematical procedures and remembering steps
- Problems applying mathematical knowledge to everyday situations
Secondary school years (ages 11+)
- Continued struggles with basic mathematical operations
- Difficulty with more complex mathematical concepts (fractions, decimals, percentages)
- Problems with mathematical reasoning and problem-solving
- Challenges with mathematical applications in other subjects (science, geography)
- Anxiety and avoidance around mathematical tasks
Assessment considerations
Comprehensive evaluation A thorough assessment should consider:
- Current autism and ADHD symptoms and how they might impact mathematical learning
- Detailed mathematical skills assessment across different areas
- Cognitive assessment including working memory, processing speed, and executive function
- Sensory processing evaluation
- Educational history and previous interventions
Multidisciplinary approach Assessment may involve:
- Educational psychologists specializing in learning difficulties
- Occupational therapists for sensory and motor aspects
- Speech and language therapists if communication affects mathematical understanding
- Teachers and SENCOs familiar with the child’s learning profile
Educational support strategies
Supporting a child with dyscalculia alongside autism or ADHD requires individualized approaches that address all conditions simultaneously.
Universal strategies
Multi-sensory learning
- Use visual, auditory, and tactile approaches to mathematical learning
- Incorporate movement and hands-on activities
- Provide concrete manipulatives before moving to abstract concepts
- Use color coding and visual organization systems
Structured and explicit instruction
- Break mathematical concepts into small, manageable steps
- Provide clear, direct instruction with frequent repetition
- Use consistent mathematical vocabulary and procedures
- Build in regular review and practice opportunities
Environmental accommodations
- Reduce visual and auditory distractions during mathematical instruction
- Provide quiet spaces for mathematical work
- Allow use of sensory tools (fidgets, noise-cancelling headphones)
- Consider lighting and seating arrangements
Autism-specific mathematical support
Leverage special interests
- Incorporate the child’s special interests into mathematical learning where possible
- Use preferred topics as contexts for mathematical problems
- Allow time for mathematical exploration within areas of interest
Visual and concrete supports
- Provide visual schedules for mathematical procedures
- Use visual representations of mathematical concepts
- Maintain consistent organization and presentation of mathematical materials
- Create visual reference guides for mathematical facts and procedures
Social communication support
- Break down mathematical word problems into smaller components
- Provide explicit instruction in mathematical vocabulary
- Use social stories to explain mathematical concepts in social contexts
- Consider alternative ways to demonstrate mathematical understanding
ADHD-specific mathematical support
Attention and focus strategies
- Break mathematical work into shorter segments with breaks
- Use timers and visual cues to maintain focus
- Provide immediate feedback and reinforcement
- Minimize distractions in the mathematical learning environment
Working memory support
- Reduce the working memory load by providing written procedures
- Allow use of calculators and mathematical aids when appropriate
- Break complex mathematical problems into smaller steps
- Provide checklists and organizational tools
Movement and activity
- Incorporate movement into mathematical learning activities
- Allow standing or alternative seating during mathematical work
- Use kinesthetic approaches to mathematical learning
- Provide fidget tools that don’t interfere with mathematical work
Technology and Tools
Various technological tools and aids can support children with dyscalculia, autism, and ADHD in their mathematical learning.
Mathematical software and apps
- Programs that provide structured, multisensory mathematical instruction
- Apps that gamify mathematical learning to increase engagement
- Software that adjusts difficulty levels based on performance
- Tools that provide immediate feedback and reinforcement
Assistive technology
- Calculators with talking features or large displays
- Mathematical equation editors for written work
- Voice-to-text software for mathematical explanations
- Organizational apps and tools for mathematical materials
Visual and organizational aids
- Mathematical manipulatives and concrete materials
- Visual number lines and mathematical charts
- Color-coded organizational systems
- Step-by-step procedure cards
Working with Schools
Effective collaboration with your child’s school is essential for supporting a child with multiple neurodevelopmental conditions affecting mathematical learning.
Developing an educational plan
Information sharing
- Provide comprehensive information about your child’s diagnoses and how they interact
- Share successful strategies used at home
- Communicate about your child’s strengths and interests
- Discuss sensory and environmental needs
Goal setting
- Establish realistic, achievable mathematical learning goals
- Focus on functional mathematical skills for daily life
- Consider both short-term and long-term objectives
- Include goals for mathematical confidence and motivation
Accommodation planning
- Extended time for mathematical assessments
- Alternative assessment methods when appropriate
- Use of calculators and mathematical aids
- Reduced mathematical homework when necessary
- Alternative formats for presenting mathematical information
Monitoring progress
Regular Review Meetings
- Schedule frequent check-ins to discuss progress
- Adjust strategies based on what’s working
- Address any emerging challenges promptly
- Celebrate successes and improvements
Data collection
- Track progress on specific mathematical skills
- Monitor engagement and motivation levels
- Document effective strategies and accommodations
- Record any changes in other areas that might affect mathematical learning
Supporting mathematical learning at home
Parents play a crucial role in supporting their child’s mathematical development, especially when multiple conditions are involved.
Creating a mathematical environment
Reduce anxiety
- Create positive associations with mathematical activities
- Avoid expressing your own mathematical anxieties
- Celebrate effort and progress rather than just correct answers
- Provide emotional support during mathematical challenges
Real-world applications
- Incorporate mathematical learning into daily activities (cooking, shopping, games)
- Point out mathematical concepts in the child’s areas of interest
- Use practical mathematical applications that feel meaningful
- Make mathematical learning functional and relevant
Consistent support
- Establish regular times for mathematical practice
- Use similar strategies to those used at school
- Communicate regularly with teachers about home support
- Advocate for your child’s needs and accommodations
Building mathematical confidence
Strength-based approach
- Identify and build on your child’s mathematical strengths
- Use preferred learning styles and interests
- Provide choices in mathematical activities when possible
- Connect mathematical learning to areas of competence
Progress recognition
- Acknowledge small improvements and effort
- Keep records of mathematical growth and achievements
- Share successes with teachers and other family members
- Help your child recognize their own progress
Long-term outcomes and support
With appropriate support and intervention, children with dyscalculia alongside autism and ADHD can develop functional mathematical skills and confidence.
Realistic Expectations
Individual Progress
- Every child’s mathematical journey will be unique
- Progress may be slower but can still be meaningful
- Some areas of mathematics may always be more challenging
- Focus on functional skills needed for independence
Lifelong Learning
- Mathematical learning continues throughout life
- Technology can provide ongoing support
- Alternative strategies may need to be developed over time
- Self-advocacy skills become increasingly important
Preparing for adulthood
Functional mathematical skills
- Money management and budgeting
- Time management and scheduling
- Measurement and estimation for daily tasks
- Basic data interpretation and analysis
Self-advocacy
- Understanding personal strengths and challenges
- Knowing when and how to ask for help
- Using technology and accommodations effectively
- Communicating needs in educational and workplace settings
Professional support and assessment
If you suspect your child may have dyscalculia alongside their existing autism or ADHD diagnosis, professional assessment can provide valuable insights and support recommendations.
When to seek assessment
- Mathematical difficulties persist despite appropriate instruction and support
- There are significant gaps between mathematical ability and other academic skills
- Mathematical challenges are impacting other areas of learning or daily functioning
- Your child is developing anxiety or avoidance around mathematical activities
- Current support strategies are not resulting in progress
Types of professional support
Educational assessment
- Comprehensive evaluation of mathematical skills and abilities
- Assessment of cognitive factors affecting mathematical learning
- Identification of specific areas of strength and challenge
- Recommendations for educational accommodations and interventions
Ongoing support
- Specialist mathematical tutoring or intervention
- Occupational therapy for sensory and motor aspects
- Educational psychology support for learning strategies
- Family guidance and advocacy support
At Young Wellbeing Hub, our team understands the complex interactions between autism, ADHD, and learning difficulties like dyscalculia. We provide comprehensive assessments that consider how multiple conditions affect each other and develop holistic support recommendations.
Moving forward with confidence
Having a child with multiple neurodevelopmental conditions can feel overwhelming, but understanding how dyscalculia interacts with autism and ADHD empowers you to seek appropriate support and advocate effectively for your child’s needs.
Remember that mathematical difficulties don’t define your child’s potential or intelligence. With the right support, accommodations, and understanding, children with dyscalculia alongside autism and ADHD can develop the mathematical skills they need for success in school and life.
Every child deserves to feel confident and capable in their learning. By recognizing the signs of dyscalculia, understanding how it presents alongside autism and ADHD, and implementing appropriate support strategies, you can help your child overcome mathematical challenges and discover their unique strengths.
Getting Professional Support
If you’re concerned about mathematical learning difficulties in your child with autism or ADHD, Young Wellbeing Hub can help. Our experienced team provides:
- Comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessments that consider multiple conditions
- Detailed recommendations for educational support and accommodations
- Ongoing guidance for families navigating complex learning profiles
- Advocacy support for school-based interventions
- Connections to specialist services and support networks
Understanding your child’s complete learning profile, including how different conditions interact, is the first step toward providing the most effective support. Contact Young Wellbeing Hub today to discuss how we can help your child thrive in their mathematical learning journey.
Young Wellbeing Hub is a CQC-registered provider specialising in neurodevelopmental assessments and support for children and young people. Our multidisciplinary team has extensive experience in identifying and supporting complex learning profiles, including the intersection of autism, ADHD, and specific learning difficulties like dyscalculia.
