What is Dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia, or ‘math dyslexia’, is a specific learning difficulty that primarily affects an individual’s ability to understand numbers and perform mathematical operations. Generally, a lot of people struggle with mathematics and different numerical concepts. In this specific case, children and adults face persistent difficulty with number sense, like estimating quantities, addition and subtraction, ordering, or a simple symbolic and non-symbolic comparison. Most psychologists now use the term “specific learning difficulties” for people with dyscalculia, dyslexia, ADHD and similar.
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, such as language, arts and history. Many reports on what dyscalculia is are related to a math learning disability. However, it does not prevent them from living a quality and prosperous life, despite the challenges posed by mathematics anxiety.
The Difference Between Dyscalculia and General Difficulty in Math?
Have you ever struggled with numbers and wondered why it feels harder for you than the others? You are not alone. 1 in 4 people find math challenging and are affected by maths learning difficulties. But there is a difference between general math and learning difficulties, such as dyscalculia.
So, how can we tell the difference? Unlike other maths learning difficulties, the key sign of dyscalculia is a specific and persistent difficulty when someone continues to struggle with basic number concepts, even after getting clear teaching and support. The challenges are often long-lasting and appear in everyday life, not just in the classroom. On the other hand, general difficulty in math is more common and usually caused by various reasons, such as missed learning, anxiety, or lack of confidence. A person may not have had enough time, support, or encouragement to build math skills. But with the right help and consistent learning, many people with general math struggles can improve over time.
Types of Dyscalculia
According to the British Dyslexia Association (BDA), 6% of the population has dyscalculia in one form or another. Dyscalculia can present in various forms, each linked to different areas of cognitive functioning. Since every brain is uniquely wired, the specific type of experience will differ from one person to another, influenced by many causal factors.
Regarding the cognitively affected area, we can talk about:
- Verbal dyscalculia: A challenge with understanding and naming mathematical concepts and operations. People with this type of dyscalculia can read and write numbers, but have difficulty understanding them when exhibited verbally.
- Lexical dyscalculia: Maths issues, reading and reasoning numbers, mathematical signs and symbols. A person with this dyscalculia understands mathematical concepts and numbers but struggles when writing them.
- Graphical dyscalculia: Involves troubles with writing and understanding math symbols. Children may struggle with reading, writing or using operational symbols.
- Operational dyscalculia: Describes difficulty performing verbal and written math operations and calculations. More precisely, people with this dyscalculia can understand number facts and math calculations, but might have trouble performing the calculation process.
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.
Signs and Symptoms of Dyscalculia
The 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. They also experience difficulties in areas like working memory, reading, and phonological processing. The following paragraphs will unlock all the possible signs of dyscalculia in 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 activities, parents can observe whether their child shows analytical skills with sorting, numbers, and spatial awareness. The following checklists can help you spot differences in your child’s math skills, suitable for their age.
Common symptoms of maths learning difficulties are:
Pre-school
- Struggle with mental math
- Problem with counting
- Trouble relating numbers to objects, like connecting that the number "two" indicates two objects or people
- Difficulty spotting patterns, such as arranging from the smallest to the largest or far and close space orientations
Primary School
- Basic math difficulties like addition and subtraction, multiplication and division
- Struggle with problem-solving maths
- Feeling uncomfortable when having maths tests at school
- Lack of intuitive grasp of numbers and mathematical reasoning
- Continues using fingers when counting instead of mental multiplication
- Lack of comprehension or confusing the signs +,-, >,<, x,y and similar
- Significant difficulty understanding maths language or solving math problems
- Problem understanding the value of digits in a number and often arranging them in the wrong order
- Difficulty recognising greater than or less than when comparing two objects
- Difficulties in solving word problems
Secondary School
- Trouble reading and understanding charts, graphics or tables
- Struggles finding different methods for solving simple math problems suitable for the age
- Significant difficulty understanding multi-step equations, including a mix of operations like multiplications, divisions, addition and subtraction
- Ingredient measurements in a simple recipe can be a challenge
- Feeling insecure when following speed, distance and directions, with a chance of getting lost
- Calculating the change in a store can also be a challenge and cause insecurity
Children with developmental dyscalculia are more likely to progress and improve their maths skills when timely assessed.
Signs and Symptoms of Dyscalculia in Adults
Due to dyscalculia’s potential to significantly and persistently affect daily functioning, it may be recognised as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This legislation offers legal protection against workplace discrimination. It requires employers to take steps to prevent putting people with a disability at a substantial disadvantage compared to those without a disability.
Dyscalculia profoundly affects adult people’s lives in many ways that can make them feel more stressed. The signs of dyscalculia in adults are the following:
- Challenges with number comprehension
- Persistent difficulty with basic arithmetic
- Difficulty estimating how long it will take to complete a task
- Experiencing anxiety, frustration, or even physical discomfort when faced with numerical tasks
- Problems reading analogue clocks, estimating durations, or planning schedules effectively
- Struggling to manage budgets, understand bills, or perform mental calculations related to money, such as calculating change or comparing prices
- Understanding graphs or charts can be a challenge
- Difficulty remembering numerical information like PINS or phone numbers, and a slower processing speed when dealing with numerical tasks
- Finding it hard to follow directions, read maps, or estimate distances and travel times
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.
Possible Causes of Dyscalculia
Most theories favour neurodiversity or the differences in how brains are wired and structured. Mathematical difficulties should be viewed along a continuum, not a distinct category, as they can arise from various contributing factors. While research into dyscalculia’s causes is ongoing, several factors have been identified that may contribute to its development:
🧠 Neurological and Cognitive Factors (Brain structure and function)
🧬Genetic and Developmental Influences (It tends to be hereditary and run in families)
🧩Co-occurring Conditions and Environmental Factors (Dyscalculia often co-occurs with other specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, ADHD, depression, and anxiety. Approximately 60% of people with dyslexia also experience difficulties with mathematics.)
Based on the genesis, there are two common types of dyscalculia:
Developmental dyscalculia appears naturally in early childhood and is often related to genetics. It affects the normal development of a person’s ability to gain maths skills.
Acalculia is an acquired dyscalculia due to a brain injury that can differ in form and range.
Effective Strategies for Dyscalculia Support
Before we discuss practical strategies, we must point to an equally important subject – early assessment and intervention. How is dyscalculia diagnosed? By assessing dyscalculia and difficulties with learning mathematics conducted by a Specialist Teacher Assessor holding a Level 7 qualification in dyscalculia assessment, or an equivalent such as the AMBDA Dyscalculia Award. The evaluation proves most beneficial during early childhood, a stage when the child’s brain development is still in progress.
Recognising that each learner’s experience with dyscalculia is unique is crucial for adequate support, including:
Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract (CPA) Approach
Step-by-Step Instruction
Use of Visual Aids and Manipulatives
Real-Life Contextual Learning
Memory Enhancement Techniques
Focus on Key Times Table
Metacognitive Strategies
Flexible Alternative Assessment Methods and Accommodations
Can People with Dyscalculia Improve Their Math Skills?
Yes, improvement is possible. While dyscalculia is a lifelong learning difficulty, people can enhance their maths skills through consistent practice and the right support. Diagnosing dyscalculia early and targeted therapy can significantly improve numerical understanding and confidence. People who have gone undiagnosed, including many adults, can develop coping strategies and improve their numeracy.
Dyscalculia as a Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity is an umbrella term that encompasses various neurological differences, including dyscalculia, dyslexia, ADHD, autism spectrum, and dyspraxia. As part of the broader concept of neurodiversity, dyscalculia is a natural variation in how our brains function. Just as some people may struggle with reading (dyslexia) or attention (ADHD), others may find numbers and calculations to be challenging.
These differences are part of the natural variation in human cognition. Dyscalculia often co-occurs with other neurodevelopmental differences, such as dyslexia and ADHD, suggesting some shared genetic and cognitive underpinnings.
Related Conditions with Dyscalculia
Based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, dyscalculia may co-occur with other learning differences and disabilities.
Conditions that often come along with dyscalculia include:
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)
Neurodevelopmental differences often do not occur in isolation. For instance, people with dyscalculia may also exhibit traits of dyslexia, ADHD, or ASD, leading to a unique combination of strengths and challenges. This overlap underscores the importance of a personalised approach to assessment and support.
Anxiety Related to Numbers
“Anxiety related to numbers,” commonly referred to as maths anxiety, is a psychological condition where people experience intense fear, dread, or nervousness when confronted with mathematical tasks.
Math anxiety isn’t just about struggling with numbers; it can have broader mental health implications. People with high levels of maths anxiety may experience:
Psychological Effects: Feelings of apprehension, panic, frustration, and low self-esteem.
Physical Symptoms: Increased heart rate, sweating, and even nausea when faced with mathematical tasks.
Living with Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia is a hidden difficulty. It’s not often talked about, but for the people who live with it, it touches every part of daily life. Many people with dyscalculia grow up thinking they’re “just not smart.” But that’s far from the truth. Intelligence isn’t the problem. It’s how the brain processes numbers. This can lead to frustration, low self-esteem, and sometimes even anxiety. People coping with dyscalculia or other specific learning disorders can rely on numerous treatments and exercises to reach the best progress possible.
Children with dyscalculia may be labelled as “slow” in school or may feel embarrassed when they’re always the last to finish a worksheet. Adults might avoid career paths that require mathematical skills, even if they have great potential. It can affect confidence, self-worth, and mental health.
Support can come in many forms: extra time in exams, using calculators, visual aids, or simple patience and kindness. These adjustments don’t make life “easier”, but they make it fair. For adults, dyscalculia often remains undiagnosed. They may silently struggle with shame or avoid situations involving numbers. Isn’t it time we started more conversations about this? Can we become more accepting of the different ways our minds work?
Living with dyscalculia is a different way of experiencing the world. And just like any other part of human diversity, it deserves understanding, respect, and support.
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Leaf Complex Care is a social care provider delivering tailored support primarily for autistic people and people living with a learning disability in the comfort of their own homes.
Offices in: Bristol, South East, Midlands and Somerset.
We have a referral and admission process to ensure that people with multiple needs in complex situations receive the necessary care without delay, especially when specialised expertise or resources are required.
