What is Dyscalculia?
/Dis-kal-coo-lee-uh/
Dyscalculia is is a learning disorder that affects a student’s ability to understand and perform mathematical tasks. Whether it's simple addition and subtraction, reading a clock, or handling money, math can feel impossible for children with dyscalculia. Despite tutoring or extra practice, they may still find these concepts challenging, making homework time particularly difficult.
Note: Dyscalculia is not a reflection of intelligence. It’s a specific difficulty with processing numbers and mathematical concepts.
What are key signs of dyscalculia in students?
If you notice these signs in your child, they may be experiencing the effects of dyscalculia:
- Trouble with Basic Math: Struggles with foundational skills like addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.
- No “Number Sense”: Difficulty understanding the value of numbers, quantities, or how numbers relate to each other.
- Forgets Math Steps: Confusion with multi-step math problems, such as long division, and often performing the steps out of order.
- Clocks and Time Don’t Add Up: Struggles to read an analog clock or estimate how long something will take.
- Mental Math Feels Impossible: Difficulty calculating simple problems in their head, either very slowly or inaccurately.
- Direction Mix-Ups: Trouble distinguishing left from right or following spatial directions.
- Money Math is Stressful: Difficulty handling money, calculating change, or sticking to a budget.
- Confused About Time and Dates: Struggles to understand concepts like days, weeks, or seasons.
Tip: If your child exhibits these signs, a comprehensive evaluation can help identify dyscalculia and create a personalized plan to support their success.
How do we test for dyscalculia in students?
If your child shows signs of dyscalculia, the next step is to schedule a thorough evaluation. This will help identify specific challenges with numbers and mathematical concepts. Our comprehensive dyscalculia evaluation typically includes:
- Child’s History: Gathering information through parent input, teacher input, and self-report (when applicable).
- Math Processing Assessment: Evaluation of how your child processes numbers and mathematical concepts.
- Identifying Cognitive Skills: Assessment of difficulties with number recognition, sequencing, and mathematical operations.
- Ruling Out Other Causes: Evaluating other learning disabilities or medical conditions that could be contributing to math difficulties.
🔍 Why We Look at the Whole Picture
At Diagnostic Learning Services, we don’t test for a single learning disability in isolation. A comprehensive evaluation is essential to understanding how an individual processes and learns information. By assessing multiple areas—including reading, writing, math, attention, memory, and processing—we can identify overlapping challenges and ensure the most accurate diagnosis and support plan.
What Are Some Strategies for Success with Dyscalculia?
Once your child has been evaluated, it’s time to implement a plan tailored to their unique needs. The following strategies can be particularly helpful:
- Visual Aids: Tools like charts, graphs, and visual timelines can help your child better understand math concepts.
- Use of Technology: Calculators, apps, and digital tools can assist your child in managing mathematical tasks.
- Time Management Support: Teaching your child to break tasks into smaller steps and set timers can improve time management.
- Extra Practice: Consistent, focused practice can help your child build confidence and reduce anxiety around math.
Tip: Personalized support and the right strategies can help your child feel more confident in math and overcome challenges.