Dyscalculia is a specific learning difference that affects a person’s ability to understand, learn, and perform mathematical and number-based tasks. Similar to dyslexia, which impacts reading and language processing, dyscalculia specifically causes difficulty with mathematical skills.
Characteristics of Dyscalculia
Number sense:
- Difficulty understanding and working with numbers.
- Problems with getting to grips with basic number concepts such as size, value, and quantity.
Math operations:
- Difficulty performing arithmetic like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
- Trouble with mental arithmetic and retaining mathematical facts.
Math symbols and formulas:
- Confusion with mathematical symbols and written numbers.
- Challenges with interpreting and understanding mathematical symbols and formulas.
Time and money management:
- Challenges with telling time on both digital and analogue clocks.
- Difficulties with managing money, making change, and estimating costs.
Spatial reasoning:
- Problems with spatial orientation and understanding spatial relationships.
- Challenges with tasks that require visual-spatial skills, such as geometry.
Sequencing:
- Trouble with sequences, such as understanding and remembering steps in a process or order of operations.
What Causes Dyslcalculia?
The exact cause of dyscalculia is not known, it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, neurological, developmental, environmental and sometimes trauma or brain injury, affecting the brain regions involved in numerical and mathematical processing. It is not due to poor teaching or lack of intelligence.
Dyscalculia Diagnosis Process
How to get diagnosed with Dyscalculia?
To be diagnosed with Dyscalculia, it typically involves an assessment by an educational psychologist, who will evaluate mathematical skills, cognitive processing, and other related abilities. Dyscalculia also commonly cooccurs with other neurodevelopmental conditions so this should be taken in to consideration when pursuing a diagnosis. Dyscalculia diagnosis is not available on the NHS and is usually obtained during education or is privately funded.
Creased Puddle provide private diagnostic services for Dyscalculia, use the form below to enquire about this service.
Coaching for Dyscalculia
Coaching for Dyscalculia requires specific understanding of the strengths and challenges that individuals have with Dyscalculia. At Creased Puddle our coaching team are very experienced with supporting people with Dyscalculia, our coaches will work with you developing strategies which you can use to improve your mathematical skills and confidence.
Support for Dyscalculia
Are you seeking guidance or support for dyscalculia? Creased Puddle can help, send us an enquiry below and we will respond as soon as possible.
Dyscalculia Resources
Here are some additional resources that will help with understanding Dyscalulia:
