Math Error Types and Correlates in Adolescents with and without Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Educational Psychology

Background:

• Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder impacting executive functions.
• Difficulties in mathematics are common in individuals with ADHD, affecting academic achievement.
• Understanding specific error patterns in math fluency is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze error types in math fluency among adolescents with and without ADHD.
• To explore the relationship between math fluency errors, processing speed, and working memory in adolescents.

Main Methods:

• Comparative study involving adolescents with ADHD and typically developing peers (ages 14-17).
• Utilized standardized measures for math calculation, math fluency, working memory, and processing speed.
• Examined specific math fluency error patterns, including switch errors.

Main Results:

• Adolescents with ADHD demonstrated lower math fluency compared to peers.
• No significant difference in math calculation scores between groups.
• Youth with ADHD exhibited a higher frequency of switch errors during math fluency tasks.

Conclusions:

• Adolescents with ADHD exhibit distinct error patterns in math fluency, particularly more switch errors.
• Findings highlight the need for tailored assessments and interventions for math abilities in students with ADHD.
• Results have clinical implications for educational and psychological support for youth with ADHD.