Why I Love Maths For Fun
By Andrew North, Principle Author
I’ve always been great with numbers, but my journey with maths hasn’t been a straightforward one. As someone who is autistic and has ADHD, I’ve often experienced the world – and learning – a little differently. Traditional maths lessons didn’t always make sense to me, but puzzles and patterns did. That’s one of the biggest reasons why I love Maths For Fun: it turns maths into something creative, playful, and accessible, rather than something rigid and intimidating.
From a young age, I noticed I saw numbers differently from many of my classmates. While others memorised formulas, I looked for shortcuts, patterns, and logical tricks. Sometimes this made me feel out of place, but it also helped me realise that maths isn’t just about rules – it’s about discovery.
Being autistic means I thrive when things are clear, logical, and structured. Being ADHD means I need activities that are fast-paced, engaging, and flexible. Maths For Fun combines both: puzzles with enough structure to make sense, but enough variety to keep them exciting. That balance is why I love Maths For Fun, and why I wanted to create it for others who might learn like me.
I didn’t want to create another dry maths textbook. I wanted to create a resource that sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and actually feels enjoyable to use. Here are some of the reasons I think Maths For Fun is different:
Puzzle-based learning: Maths is presented as challenges to solve, not rules to memorise.
Inclusive by design: Every puzzle is created with neurodiverse learners in mind.
Flexible use: Works equally well at home, in classrooms, or in community settings.
Confidence-building: Small wins lead to bigger breakthroughs, step by step.
Fun-first ethos: The goal is enjoyment – because enjoyment leads to learning.
When people ask me why I love Maths For Fun, I say it’s because it makes maths feel like a game that everyone can play.
If you’re a learner who has ever felt that maths wasn’t “for you,” I want you to know that you’re not alone. There are many ways to understand and enjoy maths, and sometimes all it takes is seeing it through a different lens. For teachers and parents, I hope this project gives you tools to engage learners who might otherwise switch off.
Maths doesn’t have to be stressful, boring, or exclusive. It can be creative, playful, and deeply rewarding. That’s my vision for Maths For Fun, and that’s exactly why I love Maths For Fun.
I created Maths For Fun to share the joy of numbers, puzzles, and problem-solving with as many people as possible. If my story resonates with you, I’d love for you to explore the puzzles, try them with your students or family, and see for yourself why maths can be fun.