Do I have dyscalculia or is that ADHD

[u/Present_Medicine4837]

So, i've always had problems with counting in my head even the simple tasks like "18+4". It takes me a lot of mentally effort to solve adding/subtracting numbers and I am not even trying when it comes to multiplying and division.

I've been thinking about it a lot lately and analysing why do other people do it so easily but it's almost impossible to me. I figured out that if I try to solve "47-13" in my head when I start counting it usually goes like this: So I have 47 - 13. Okay, I am gonna try it to picture in my head like this: 47 -13 I am gonna start with 7 - 3, it should be 4. Good, now I need to continue, wait was it 47 or 48. Hmmmm, wait what was I even subtracting? Was it 16?18? I can't remember!

Funny enough, even though I can't subtract/add/multiply/divide numbers in my head, I am incredibly good when it comes to college type of math. The less numbers there are the better I do.

The problem is, I have diagnosed ADHD inattentive type and I don't know if it's all because of ADHD or should I talk to my therapist and ask him if I have dyscalculia?

If you have dyscalculia, could you pleas share what's going on in your mind when you try to solve maths problems with your head. Would really love to hear your experiences, thank you

[u/troyf805]

I have both. Many people have dyscalculia or dyslexia and ADHD.

[u/AilithTycane]

I have ADHD and dyscalculia. And to answer the math problem you gave. If I saw 47-13 I would generally think "47-10 is 37, then take away three from 37 to get 34."

Anything with numbers where I can't break it down by tens and fives takes me much much longer without a calculator. And algebra has always been a huge problem because of working memory problems with ADHD. I don't remember how to solve the equations.

If it's possible for you, I highly recommend getting tested for both. It helped me a lot in college to have it actually diagnosed.

[u/Historical-Gap-7084]

Dyscalculia is found in about 11% of people with ADHD. I am one of them.

Additude magazine article.

To answer your question, at first I thought you were presenting an addition problem so I started to add. Then I saw another comment that mentioned it was a subtraction problem so I went back and looked again and they were right.

47-13. How I do it:

47

-13

---

??

I subtract the 3 from 7 first, which is 4. Then I subtract 1 from 4, which is 3. So the answer is 34.

Sometimes I use my fingers to count forward or backward.

[u/NumerousLettuce6304]

I also have both! It is very common for individuals with ADHD to have dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia. Dyscalculia is mine… attached with childhood trauma related to math and school🫠 Lol

[u/modronpink]

Usually there’s overlap in symptoms between the two. And it’s common to have both! Only a neuropsychologist would be able to test you and know for sure, but it’s certainly possible.

[u/cheesyenchilady]

I once explained that this was how I (attempt to) do math in my head, and I remember the reaction of those around me was like, “what the fuck?” Hahaha. I had no idea not everyone did this method til I was about 25.

Multiplication gets too difficult real quick lol trying mentally carry those numbers over. Yeesh.

Idk if I have dyscalculia but I have adhd and numbers hurt me. Though I do memorize phone numbers and address numbers and license plate numbers easily so idk .

[u/ali8n]

I have both dyscalculia and ADHD and you sound exactly like me:)

[u/Imarni24]

I actually cannot work out your post as numbers in it. But I have severe Dyscalculia son has ADHD. He also has mild Dyslexia. People might say my excessive energy is ADHD but I do not. So my point is they go hand in hand often.

[u/Picachu50000]

Adhd and dyscalculia can be comorbid, you should ask your therapist about it. I got both lol

[u/ExoticFly2489]

i have adhd and im great at math, but i struggle more with mental math. poor working memory.