Dyscalculia is a learning disability that impairs a child’s ability to perform basic maths skills & calculations, learn number-related concepts and reason & problem solve. This learning disability can complicate all aspects of life involving maths, such as telling the time with an analogue watch or clock, counting change and performing mental calculations.
Dyscalculia frequently occurs in children with other disabilities, such as dyslexia and as with other learning disabilities; dyscalculia does not have a cure and cannot be treated by medication. Treatment is designed to create coping strategies that can be utilised throughout life. This is often provided through tutoring support, specific interventions and classroom & exam accommodations.
Difficulties with processing numbers can include:
- Difficulty connecting an abstract number value or symbol to the quantity it represents (e.g., the number, ‘4’ to four chickens)
- Inability to count forwards and backwards
- Trouble recalling times tables or mental arithmetic problem-solving
- Inability to recognise number sequences and patterns
- Problems recognising quantities without counting each component
- Difficulty calculating money and comparing amounts
- Difficulty with telling time using an analogue clock or watch face
- Inability to instantly distinguish left from right
- Poor visual and spatial orientation
Interventions and accommodations in the classroom can vary and may include:
- Reducing the difficulty of a given task
- Breaking complicated problems down into smaller stages
- Allowing the use of a calculator
- Teaching through interactive lessons and hands-on projects
- Granting more time for assignments and exams