Ep. 258: Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, and ADHD: Why Math Feels So Overwhelming for Some Kids with Adrianne Meldrum & Heather Brand

We are so thrilled to have not just one guest this episode but two -  Adrianne Meldrum and Heather Brand! Adrianne Meldrum founded and owns Made for Math, a fully online math center that supports students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and other math-related learning challenges. She is a certified Multisensory Math Instructor and holds a master’s degree from Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity. Adrianne lives in Arizona with her husband and three sons, where she enjoys the beautiful sunsets.

Heather Brand, M.Ed., is a licensed educator with two decades of experience teaching students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. She currently works at Made for Math, supporting learners with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and other learning differences, and holds certifications in multisensory math instruction and reading intervention. Heather is passionate about sharing practical, structured strategies that help teachers confidently support all students while making math engaging and enjoyable.

In this episode of the show, we unpack why dyscalculia is so hard to identify and why it often overlaps with conditions such as dyslexia and ADHD/ADD. In fact, Adrianne and Heather talk about how many of the students whom they see arrive with multiple diagnoses, and that raises a truly important question: when a child struggles with math, what’s really causing the difficulty?

Throughout our conversation, we take a look at how professionals sort through those overlapping factors, and Adrianne and Heather explain how assessments can reveal specific types of math struggles, whether they involve language, memory, sequencing, or foundational number sense, and they explain why understanding the root cause is so important.

We also talk through some real classroom scenarios and case studies that showcase how these challenges actually take place in everyday learning. From students who can perform calculations but freeze when faced with word problems, to those who mix up the direction of their work or struggle to recall math facts, all of these examples help clarify what educators and parents should watch out for.

In addition, we discuss practical strategies that can help students succeed! Adrianne and Heather share some approaches that build on understanding, strengthen math fact retrieval, and reduce the working memory load that can often overwhelm students, especially those with ADHD. They also touch upon how simple environmental changes, such as minimizing distractions and organizing information more clearly, can dramatically improve learning.

Perhaps most importantly, however, we discuss how the right kind of instruction doesn’t just improve math performance. It can actually rebuild confidence and reduce the anxiety that often accompanies math struggles! Enjoy our conversation with Adrianne Meldrum and Heather Brand!

Show Notes:

[3:56] - Dyscalculia is often diagnosed late and overlaps with other conditions, further complicating diagnosis.
[6:44] - Early math struggles so often go unnoticed, yet they affect multiple areas alongside reading or attention difficulties.
[9:50] - Students may calculate correctly but fail at word problems because of language or vocabulary challenges.
[10:37] - Heather reflects on multi-diagnosed students who often show math difficulties that overlap with dyslexia, ADHD, or dysgraphia symptoms.
[12:47] - When Heather assesses, she assesses whether math struggles stem from dyscalculia or other diagnoses.
[15:30] - Observing students’ problem-solving can help reveal specific issues such as directionality, that are separate from place value understanding.
[16:49] - We hear how conceptual understanding uses visuals, while fact retrieval relies on memorization and fluency practice.
[19:50] - Heather discusses how she uses cues and repetition before timed exercises, helping students get things right before they start doing them automatically.
[23:47] - We hear how schema-based strategies teach students to analyze story problems, rather than linking words directly to operations.
[26:23] - Heather explains and breaks down the ROMANS strategy.
[29:34] - ADHD increases cognitive demands in math, making working memory and flexible problem-solving even more difficult.
[30:15] - Adrianne reflects on how minimizing task switching and using visual support helps students with ADHD maintain attention and limit mistakes.
[33:33] - Multiple sources for instructions can sometimes confuse students, so limiting transitions and providing frequent feedback is so important!
[35:49] - Adrianne explains how reducing visual and language clutter helps protect working memory and boosts student confidence and learning ability.
[37:42] - Matching instruction to a child’s learning profile can drastically help increase engagement, understanding, and self-confidence!
[38:19] - Adrianne highlights how evidence-based strategies benefit all students, not just those with diagnoses.
[40:16] - How can listeners connect with Adrianne and Heather?

Links and Related Resources:

• Episode 59: What is Dyscalculia (AKA Math Disorder)? with Monica Grillo

• Episode 60: A Multisensory Intervention for Kids Who Struggle with Math with Adrianne Meldrum

• Episode 122: Accommodations for Students Who Struggle with Math with Adrianne Meldrum

• Episode 197: Five Best Practices for Math Instruction – Dr. Sarah Powell

• More Podcast Episodes

 

Connect with Adrianne & Heather:

• Made for Math

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• Substack