Dyscalculia

Imagine ...

Imagine sitting in Maths class and thinking that the teacher is talking Double Dutch through a muffled dial up line that makes no sense whatsoever.  Imagine that you are looking at the other children in class and wondering if this is what they think …. but then you see they have their hand up answering questions … and gulp … some of them even seem to be enjoying the class.  This leads to you feeling more lost and panicked …and afraid to put your hand up. So, you do what you think is the most logical thing possible.  Look into the person beside you, hope that it is right and copy it.  Phew …. that solves that … for today ....

This blog post will explore what dyscalculia is, how it can affect a person's day to day life and what can be done to help. You will also find tips and strategies on this website to help you as either a parent or a teacher to help children with Dyscalculia and other learning difficulties.

What is dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia is a specific learning difficulty that affects a person’s ability to "do Maths".   We often hear about dyslexia, a learning difficulty that affects reading, but less is heard about dyscalculia.   The word comes from the latin calculare (like calculator), meaning to count.  

Dyscalculia specifically impacts a child's ability to understand numbers and maths.

Who does it affect

Dyscalculia isn’t as rare as you might think. In fact, it’s believed that around 6 to 8% of the population may have it, which means a significant minority of pupils (and adults) are likely to be affected. Unfortunately, it can go unnoticed or be mistaken for something else, but it’s important that it is recognised so children can access the right support. In a small country like Ireland, with a school going population of c.900,000, that would suggest anywhere between 55,000 and 70,000 pupils are affected.

What causes it

While there is no definite explanation for dyscalculia, researchers have found it’s likely a mix of genetics and how the brain processes numbers.  It's not uncommon, that when a child is diagnosed with dyscalculia, parents report that they, or another family member, had similar difficulties when they were younger. In fact it can be a relief for some parents to learn that there is a name and explanation for the difficulties and struggles that they themselves faced.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs of dyscalculia can vary. Some children may find basic arithmetic challenging, while others might have a hard time with more complex mathematical concepts. You might notice that a child struggles to grasp what numbers really mean or has difficulty remembering maths facts. These challenges can make it tough for them to keep up in class, which can be frustrating. A child might find it difficulty to say there are 4 items on a table without counting them individually. They may find it difficult to count.

Everyday tasks

But it’s not just about maths class. Dyscalculia can affect everyday tasks, too. Things like telling the time, organizing spaces, or managing money can become quite challenging. These are skills we often take for granted, but for a child (or an adult) with Dyscalculia, they require extra effort and understanding.

Diagnosis of Dyscalculia

While a parent or a teacher might suspect Dyscalculia, only an educational psychologist can diagnose it.  A psychologist will carry out tests to check a child’s computational and other mathematical skills.    These tests are standardised tests like the Woodcock-Johnson or the WIAT-III or the WISC-V. 

Effect of a diagnosis

One of the hardest parts of dyscalculia is the impact it can have on a child’s confidence. Struggling with something so fundamental can make a child feel like they’re not good enough, which can lead to frustration and a drop in self-esteem. Researchers have found that children and adults with Dyscalculia report not knowing why they couldn't understand Maths and as a result feeling embarassed, anxious and having low esteem. 

Children, and adults, often report a sense of relief when they are diagnosed with Dyscalculia as it provides an explanation for their difficulties and why things were such a struggle for them.  

Support

The good news is that with early intervention and the right support, children with Dyscalculia can learn to manage their difficulties. As with Dyslexia, structured, systematic instruction that identifies and helps children with gaps in their learning is crucial. There are many tools and strategies that can be used, like visual aids, hands-on activities, and targeted support plans. It’s also crucial to support children's emotional well-being, helping them understand that it’s okay to find Maths challenging and that they can still achieve great things.

Dyscalculia may make Maths harder, but it doesn’t define a child (or an adult). With the right support these challenges can be faced and children can succeed in school and beyond. On this website and blog, you will find tips and strategies on mathematical building blocks that will help all children, especially those with a learning difficulty.

If there is any area in particular that you would like a blog post on, please feel freee to get in touch.