What is Dyscalculia?
/Dis-kal-coo-lee-uh/
Dyscalculia 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. Even with tutoring or extra practice, they may still struggle to grasp these concepts, making homework time a nightly battle.
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: Confused by multi-step math problems, such as long division, and often does them out of order.
- Clocks and Time Don’t Add Up: Reading an analog clock or estimating how long something will take feels like a mystery.
- Mental Math is a Nightmare: Calculating simple problems in their head is either very slow or leads to mistakes.
- Direction Mix-Ups: Confusing left from right or following spatial directions is an ongoing challenge.
- Money Math is Stressful: Handling money, calculating change, or sticking to a budget can be frustrating.
- Confused About Time and Dates: Struggles to understand concepts like days, weeks, or even the seasons.
Tip: If your child shows these signs, a comprehensive evaluation can help identify dyscalculia and provide a plan to help them succeed.
How do we test for dyscalculia in students?
If your child is exhibiting signs of dyscalculia, the next step is to schedule a thorough evaluation. This will help identify any specific difficulties 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: Evaluating how your child processes numbers and mathematical concepts.
- Identifying Cognitive Skills: Assessing the specific difficulties your child faces with number recognition, sequencing, and 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 eDiagnostic Learning, we do not assess for a single learning disability in isolation. A comprehensive evaluation is essential to understanding how an individual learns and processes information. By assessing multiple areas—such as reading, writing, math, attention, memory, and processing—we can rule out 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 that suits their unique needs. The following strategies can be helpful:
- Visual Aids: Tools like charts, graphs, and visual timelines can help your child understand math concepts more clearly.
- Use of Technology: Calculators, apps, and digital tools can assist your child in handling mathematical tasks with ease.
- Time Management Support: Teaching your child how to break tasks into smaller steps and set timers for assignments can improve time management.
- Extra Practice: Focused, consistent 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.