Neurodiverse mathematics embraces and adapts to the varied ways in which people learn and process mathematical concepts. It acknowledges that everyone’s brain is unique, with different strengths, challenges, and ways of thinking.

This perspective is especially relevant for individuals who are neurodivergent, such as those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia and other neurological variations.

In practice, neurodiverse mathematics involves creating flexible learning opportunities that honour diverse ways of thinking, understanding and seeing the world.

The big idea that there is more than one way to solve a maths problem has been transformative for many people, including teachers and parents. Many people have described their experience of this as being able to enjoy mathematical freedom. 

Maths Play initiatives and resources are designed to be  inclusive, foster a sense of belonging and celebrate the mathematical creativity and capabilities of all learners. 

Too often, mathematics is seen as an abstract and intimidating subject. This is a damaging perception that contributes to the false idea that only some people are ‘maths people’. 

Learning how the brain learns turns this perception on its head. When we do maths, two of the five areas of the brain engaged are visual. 

Visual mathematics builds conceptual understanding which supports fluency and problem-solving capabilities. It's a game-changer for the maths teaching and learning experience. 

Maths Play initiatives and resources demonstrate that nearly every maths concept taught in school (if not all) can be visually illustrated and that access to visual mathematics is important for all learners of all ages. 

Many people's experience with mathematics is mostly solitary. Maths at school was largely about working through problems alone, with interactions limited to textbooks and occasional teacher guidance.

Having access to cooperative and collaborative maths opportunities is transformative for most learners. The more that people play with and do maths together, the better they do academically.  

Sadly, a collaborative approach in maths education isn’t yet the norm. Maths Play initiatives and resources model and incorporate the power of community.