What is Dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia is a specific learning disorder that affects people’s basic math skills and everything that involves numbers. Generally, a lot of people struggle with mathematics and different number concepts. In this specific case, children and adults face challenges with number sense like subitising, ordering, or a simple symbolic and non-symbolic comparison.

What’s important to highlight is that dyscalculia affects only the mathematical skills of a person. Thus, a child with maths difficulty can perform well in all the other subjects like language arts and history. Many reports on what dyscalculia is related to a math learning disability. However, such a diagnosis does not prevent them from living a quality and prosperous life.

Most psychologists now use the term “specific learning difficulties” for people with dyscalculia, dyslexia, ADHD and similar. In a nutshell, we all have different potentials for gaining new knowledge, including math skills.

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Types of Dyscalculia

what are the symptoms of dyscalculia
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There are several types of dyscalculia based on the affected cognitive domains. The type varies depending on the individual, as all our brains are differently wired.

Regarding the cognitively affected area, we can talk about:

Before exploring further the signs and characteristics of dyscalculia, it’s essential to emphasise that a learning difficulty does not affect general intellectual ability. In other words, with dyscalculia, you might struggle with mathematics and numbers but still live an independent and integrated life.

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Signs and Symptoms of Dyscalculia

Symptoms and signs of dyscalculia can be different in each person. Some call it “math dyslexia” or “number dyslexia”, but this can be misleading as dyslexia implies a reading difficulty.

Children with dyscalculia find maths more challenging than their peers, and sometimes additional support is needed. The following lines will unlock all the possible signs of dyscalculia in both children and adults.

Signs and Symptoms of Dyscalculia in Children

Many children are not keen on math and may lack interest in numbers and mathematics, especially at an early age. However, in everyday life activities, parents can observe whether their child shows analytical skills with sorting and numbers. The following checklists can help you spot the difference in your child’s math skills, suitable for their age.

Common symptoms of maths learning disorder are:

Pre-school

Primary School

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dyscalculia diagnosis

Secondary School

Children with developmental dyscalculia are more likely to progress and improve their maths skills when timely assessed.

Signs and Symptoms of Dyscalculia in Adults

From buying the morning coffee and money transactions to simple football games with our friends, adult dyscalculia can be a challenge in many everyday life activities, including:

Adults with dyscalculia may face specific challenges when acquiring higher education. Fortunately, the correct evaluation and professional support can help adults with dyscalculia achieve their life goals. 

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Dyscalculia Diagnosis

How is dyscalculia diagnosed?

The assessment strategy includes different tests for children and adults and other diagnostic criteria. Most schools provide free cost evaluations for children. For a second opinion, families can contact private evaluators to precise the assessment and give additional advice and support.

Accurate dyscalculia assessment is the key to maximising the potential of people.

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Possible Causes of Dyscalculia

Scientists have no exact and specific explanation of what causes developmental dyscalculia. Most theories favour neurodiversity or the difference in how brains are wired and structured. However, psychologists and education experts tend to focus on the solution rather than the cause. 

Based on the genesis, there are two common types of dyscalculia:

  • Developmental dyscalculia- appears naturally in early childhood, and it is often related to genetics. It affects the normal development of a person’s ability to gain maths skills

  • Acalculia – acquired dyscalculia due to a brain injury that can differ in form and range

Whether developmental dyscalculia or an acquired condition, healthcare teams provide tailored programs to improve a person’s quality of life. 

Dyscalculia Treatment

The best results for treating math learning disorders lay on early assessment and intervention. Dyscalculia treatment is most effective in early childhood as the child’s brain development is not finished yet. The treatment includes cooperation between families, schools and learning specialist teams who help create individual comprehensive programs.

These programs include one-on-one learning activities that are person-centred and focused on the affected cognitive area. The sooner you start with the treatment, the better are chances for a successful outcome.

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dyscalculia treatment
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Related Conditions with Dyscalculia

Based on the diagnostic and statistical manual, dyscalculia may co-occur with other learning disorders. Identifying the related cognitive conditions may help medical professionals to assess and treat the specific learning disorder accordingly.

Conditions that often come along with dyscalculia include:

However, there is no factual evidence that dyscalculia necessarily co-occurs with other related learning disorders. Either way, the proper support and validation of an individual’s skills can help to reach their full potential and maximise their quality of life.

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Living with Dyscalculia

We live in a stressful world with rapid changes and busy daily schedules. Every one of us is fighting our silent battle while trying to become the best version of ourselves.

People coping with dyscalculia or other specific learning disorder can rely on numerous treatments and exercises to reach the best progress possible. The safest way to overcome our weaknesses is to focus on our strengths and abilities and always strive for the better.

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How Leaf Complex Care Support People with Dyscalculia?

Being different means that we are all part of human diversity. As neurodiversity advocates, we celebrate neurodivergence and aim for respect, equality and humanised care. 

Our professional support workers take a person-centred and tailored approach to an individual’s age and pathway. We offer academic accommodation for children and students, with a one-on-one education programme.

At Leaf Complex Care, we support and encourage people to show their talent and skills that can add value to the community and make the world a better place to live.

Career in Learning Difficulties Care

Building a career in learning difficulties care can be challenging yet the most fulfilling life experience. If you are a clinician looking for a company where you can feel like a family and expand your career, Leaf Complex Care can meet your needs.

We offer our clinicians an opportunity to grow their abilities to the highest standards and pace them towards a successful career. We provide free training for all clinicians and ensure your accomplishments are praised and awarded.

We are proud to be part of the Catalyst Care Group, recognised as Great Place To Work®. Our clinicians are our heroes, and together, as a team, we can overcome every obstacle that comes our way.