Does My Child Have Dyscalculia? Understanding Maths Difficulties
Does your child seem to understand some mathematical concepts but struggle with basic number skills?
Perhaps they find maths unusually difficult, rely heavily on counting, struggle to remember number facts or become overwhelmed when solving problems.
You may have started wondering:
“Could my child have dyscalculia?”
Dyscalculia is a commonly used term for persistent difficulties with mathematics. In clinical assessment, these difficulties may be considered as part of Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in mathematics.
What is dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia is commonly used to describe significant and persistent difficulties with learning and using mathematical skills.
It isn't simply being “bad at maths”.
A child with dyscalculia may have ongoing difficulties learning number concepts and mathematical procedures despite appropriate teaching and opportunities to learn.
And just as dyslexia doesn't mean low intelligence, mathematical difficulties don't mean a child isn't capable of learning.
What are the signs of dyscalculia?
Possible signs include:
difficulty understanding numbers and quantities
relying on fingers for calculations well beyond the expected age
difficulty remembering basic number facts
confusing mathematical symbols
difficulty understanding place value
struggling with multiplication tables
difficulty following mathematical procedures
trouble estimating quantities
difficulty understanding time or money
becoming particularly anxious or avoidant around maths
finding word problems difficult.
Children can have strengths in other academic areas while experiencing significant difficulties with mathematics.
Is dyscalculia the same as not being good at maths?
No.
Most children will find some areas of mathematics difficult at different stages.
A learning difficulty becomes more concerning when difficulties are persistent, significant and substantially interfere with academic functioning.
Assessment helps determine whether a child's difficulties represent a specific pattern rather than simply reflecting a skill that needs more practice.
How is dyscalculia assessed?
A comprehensive learning assessment may consider:
mathematical achievement
number skills
problem-solving
cognitive functioning
working memory
processing speed
reading and writing
developmental and educational history.
A standardised achievement assessment such as the WIAT can provide information about mathematical skills.
A cognitive assessment such as the WISC can help identify broader strengths and areas of difficulty.
Looking at these areas together can help clarify why mathematics may be difficult.
Could ADHD be affecting my child's maths?
Possibly.
ADHD can affect mathematical performance through difficulties with attention, working memory, organisation and completing multi-step tasks.
A child may understand mathematical concepts but make frequent errors because they lose their place or overlook instructions.
This is different from having a specific learning difficulty in mathematics, although the two can occur together.
A comprehensive assessment can help explore these possibilities.
What support can help?
Understanding the specific nature of mathematical difficulties can help guide intervention.
Support might involve targeted mathematics teaching, breaking complex tasks into smaller steps, visual supports or classroom adjustments.
The aim is to identify how the child learns best, rather than simply focusing on what they can't yet do.
Worried about your child's maths?
If your child is consistently struggling with mathematics despite support and effort, a learning assessment can help clarify what may be contributing.
thegrowspace can help you understand your child's mathematical learning profile and identify practical next steps.