Many ADHD kids struggle with learning, especially in math and writing. It’s not because they aren’t smart. The real challenge lies in executive function skills—planning, organizing, focusing, and remembering steps.
These skills help kids complete tasks, but learning feels frustrating and overwhelming when they’re weak. Parents often wonder why their child understands a lesson but still struggles to apply it.
Michelle McKeon, Owner of Atrium Life Coaching and Atrium Academics, has seen these struggles firsthand. She started as a math tutor and realized many kids weren’t just struggling with numbers.
They were having trouble with focus, organization, and memory. Her experience with her own son led her to become a certified ADHD life coach. Now, she helps kids and parents find practical ways to overcome learning challenges.
In this article, we will explain why ADHD kids struggle with math and writing and how parents can help. We will offer simple, effective strategies like breaking tasks into steps, using memory aids, and creating a learning environment that works for them.
Why For ADHD Kids Learning Math Is Challenging
Many ADHD kids are good at math but still struggle with it. The issue isn’t their intelligence—it’s their executive functioning skills.
These mental skills help kids plan, organize, remember steps, and stay focused. When these skills are weak, math becomes frustrating.
How Executive Functioning Affects ADHD Kids Learning Math
Math isn’t just about numbers. It requires:
- Planning and organizing – Kids need to line up numbers neatly and follow multi-step problems.
- Working memory – They must remember the last step while solving the next one.
- Focus and analysis – They need to understand patterns and apply concepts to new problems.
- Emotional regulation – Struggles with math can cause anxiety, making it even harder to think.
Photo by Keira Burton
Why ADHD Kids Get Stuck When Learning Math
Many ADHD kids understand math but struggle to apply it. They might solve one problem correctly but then get stuck on a similar one.
This inconsistency isn’t because they don’t know the material. It’s because their brain has trouble holding onto and retrieving information. This can be confusing and discouraging for both kids and parents.
The Emotional Side of Math Struggles
When kids keep hitting roadblocks, they start believing, “I’m just bad at math.” This frustration can turn into fear. Math anxiety can shut their brain down, making it even harder to focus and solve problems.
How to Support ADHD Kids Learning Math Effectively
To make math easier, try:
- Breaking problems into small, clear steps.
- Visuals, like charts or checklists, can be used to organize steps.
- Encouraging kids to talk through problems strengthens memory.
- Reassuring them that struggling doesn’t mean they’re bad at math.
With the right support, ADHD kids can build confidence and succeed in math.
How Parents Can Help ADHD Kids Learn Math at Home
Many parents expect their children to sit down, focus, and finish math homework without problems. But for ADHD kids, this can feel overwhelming.
It’s not that they don’t want to do the work—they often struggle with focus, organization, and remembering steps. Instead of frustration, they need support that matches how their brain works.
Photo by Mary Taylor
Making Math Homework Less Stressful
Younger kids often learn better when moving. Try turning math into a game. Let them solve problems while jumping on a trampoline or balancing on a wobbleboard.
Use colorful sticky notes or make a math scavenger hunt to keep them engaged. The goal is to make learning feel less like a chore. Older kids may need a different approach.
Here’s what can help:
- Break It Down – Instead of looking at a whole page of problems, focus on a tiny section at a time.
- Use Memory Aids – Create note cards with formulas and step-by-step examples. This helps with recall.
- Ask for Accommodations – Some schools allow reduced homework or extra time to complete assignments.
Signs an ADHD Child Is Struggling with Math
Not every child will complain when math gets challenging. Watch for these signs:
- Skipping problems and thinking they’re done.
- Rushing through work and making repeated mistakes.
- Avoiding math or showing strong resistance.
If you notice these patterns, talk to their teacher to see what support might help.
When ADHD Kids Learning Math Need Extra Support
Outside help may be a good idea if math leads to daily frustration. A tutor or ADHD coach can make learning less stressful.
Parents want their kids to succeed, but constant struggles can harm the parent-child relationship. The goal is to support your child while keeping math (and homework time) from becoming a battle.
When ADHD Kids Learning Math Requires Professional Help
Writing can feel like a huge challenge for ADHD kids. It’s not just about putting words on paper. It takes planning, organizing, remembering details, and deciding what’s important.
These are all executive function skills; writing can feel frustrating and overwhelming when they don’t come quickly.
What Makes Writing Difficult?
ADHD kids often struggle with:
- Getting started – They don’t know where to begin or how to structure their thoughts.
- Organizing ideas – Their thoughts feel scattered, making it hard to create a clear flow.
- Remembering details – They may forget what they just wrote or lose track of their main point.
- Prioritizing information – They can’t always tell what’s important and what isn’t.
- Managing frustration – Writing can feel overwhelming, leading to stress or avoidance.
Many kids sit down to write and feel stuck before they even begin. Others may rush through, writing scattered without a clear structure.
Photo by Gustavo Fring
How Parents Can Help ADHD Kids Learn Writing
Instead of jumping in and fixing their work, guide them through the process. Ask questions like:
What’s the main point of your paper?
- What comes first, next, and last?
- What details help explain your ideas?
Breaking writing into smaller steps makes it less stressful. Start with an outline or a few bullet points before asking them to write full sentences.
Should ADHD Kids Use ChatGPT for Writing?
AI tools like ChatGPT can help when kids feel completely stuck. However, relying on them too much means they won’t build their own executive function skills.
The key is balance. If they use AI, encourage them to organize their thoughts first. Ask guiding questions to help them process information before turning to AI for support.
Writing is an important skill for life. With patience and the right support, ADHD kids can learn to organize their thoughts and confidently express themselves.
How Parents Can Help ADHD Kids Learn and Complete Homework
Many ADHD kids want to do their homework but just can’t get started. Others begin but quickly feel stuck or frustrated. It’s not laziness or bad behavior.
It’s a struggle with executive function skills like planning, organizing, and processing information. Yelling or giving consequences won’t help because the issue is the need for support.
Other Reasons Why ADHD Kids Struggle with Writing
Writing challenges go beyond ADHD. Some kids also face:
- Dysgraphia – Trouble with handwriting, spelling, and organizing thoughts on paper.
- Visual Processing Issues – Difficulty processing what they see, making it hard to copy text or structure ideas.
- Auditory Processing Issues – Trouble understanding spoken instructions can make starting a writing task overwhelming.
If a child consistently struggles, testing can help pinpoint the issue. Occupational therapy or learning support may help them build these skills.
Photo by August de Richelieu
How to Make Learning Writing Easier for ADHD Kids
Parents can help by turning writing into a process, not just a task. A helpful approach is brainstorming ideas on a whiteboard or paper without worrying about order.
ADHD kids often have lots of creative ideas but struggle to structure them. After writing everything down, parents or teachers can guide them in organizing their thoughts.
The Most Important Thing Parents Can Do
Frustration won’t help, but patience will. Parents should focus on their response before trying to “fix” the issue.
Staying calm, offering support, and understanding their child’s unique needs will build confidence and make learning less stressful. ADHD kids don’t need more pressure—they need guidance from someone who believes in them.
Conclusion
ADHD kids learning math and writing face real challenges, but the proper support can make a huge difference. These struggles are not about intelligence or effort.
They are about executive function skills—planning, focus, memory, and organization. Learning feels overwhelming when these skills are weak and frustration takes over.
Parents can help by breaking tasks into smaller steps, offering visual aids, and creating a learning environment that works for their child.
Some kids need movement while learning. Others need checklists, memory aids, or extra time to process ideas. Minor adjustments make learning feel more manageable.
Outside help may be a good option if homework becomes a daily battle. Tutors, ADHD coaches, or school accommodations can ease frustration and build confidence.
The goal is not to push harder but to find what helps each child learn best. Most of all, patience and understanding matter. ADHD kids don’t need more pressure—they need someone who believes in them.
FAQs
How does sleep affect ADHD kids’ learning?
Poor sleep makes focus, memory, and emotional control harder. A calming bedtime routine, limited screen time, and a cool, dark room can improve sleep and learning.
Can a diet impact ADHD kids’ learning?
Yes, food affects focus and energy. A balanced diet with protein, healthy fats, and omega-3s supports brain function. Processed foods and sugar may worsen symptoms.
How can teachers support ADHD kids in class?
Teachers can use clear instructions, visuals, movement breaks, and flexible seating to help ADHD kids focus.
Do ADHD kids need structure or flexibility?
They need both. Clear routines help them stay organized, but they also need flexibility to move and learn.
How can parents build confidence in ADHD kids’ learning?
Encourage effort over perfection, celebrate small wins, and focus on strengths. Support and understanding help them feel capable and motivated.
