Managing Dyscalculia in the Classroom and in the Home 


​Dyscalculia affects an individual’s ability to comprehend numbers and to grasp mathematical concepts such as place value, negative and positive values, and fractions. Individuals with Dyscalculia also struggle to understand math facts, which makes it very difficult for them to know what techniques to apply when solving a math problem. Individuals also struggle to memorize and organize numbers and therefore have trouble with multi-step problems.
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It is estimated that Dyscalculia affects about 3-6 percent of the population or 1 in 20 individuals. The prevalence of Dyscalculia is approaching that of Dyslexia, yet is much less studied and resourced.
5 Common Myths about Dyscalculia 
Myth: All children with Dyscalculia have the same struggles with math
Truth: Dyscalculia actually refers to a wide range of math issues, so your child’s trouble spots may be different from another child’s. For example, some kids with dyscalculia have a hard time with number concepts. Others have difficulty with the kind of visual-spatial thinking that’s needed for geometry. What most kids with dyscalculia have in common, though, is challenges remembering basic math facts and completing math problems.

Myth: Dyscalculia is math anxiety
Truth: Dyscalculia and math anxiety are not the same thing. It’s understandable that people confuse the two, though. It’s common for kids who struggle with math—like kids with dyscalculia—to become anxious about doing math homework or going to math class. Learn more about key differences between dyscalculia and math anxiety.

Myth: Dyscalculia is math Dyslexia
Truth: Although dyscalculia is sometimes referred to as “math dyslexia,” that’s just a nickname. Dyscalculia and dyslexia are separate conditions that have some overlapping symptoms. Kids dealing with both tend to have difficulty with language-based math issues, such as solving word problems and learning math vocabulary.

Myth: Dyscalculia isn't common
Truth: Dyscalculia hasn’t been studied as much as other conditions like dyslexia, but that doesn’t mean it’s uncommon. In fact, researchers are beginning to think dyscalculia may be almost as common as dyslexia.

Myth: Kids with Dyscalculia can't learn math
Truth: Kids with dyscalculia may have a harder time learning math than other kids, but that doesn’t mean they can’t learn it—and even excel at it. There are classroom accommodations your child’s teacher can use, as well as strategies and apps you can try at home to make learning math easier...and even fun! Certain types of assistive technology can make learning math a more positive and successful experience for your child.
What Causes Dyscalculia?
  • There is not a large amount of conclusive research on Dyscalculia’s causes.
  • There is a difference in function and structure in the intra-parietal sulcus, which is the part of the brain involved in mathematics. 
  •  Both genetic and environmental factors can explain can this aberration.
  • A  link has been identified  between Dyscalculia and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and/or premature births.
  • It is also important to note that it is common for children with Dyscalculia to additionally struggle with other learning disabilities such as Dyslexia and ADHD.
Detecting Dyscalculia
It can be difficult to detect Dyscalculia as it can be sometimes mistaken for math anxiety. Below are examples of a checklist provided by Understood.org to help parents identify signs of Dyscalculia in their child. In order to officially diagnose an individual with Dyscalculia, the child will need to be evaluated by a professional.
Preschool Signs:
  • Trouble with counting - skips over numbers long after other children count numbers in the right order
  • Struggles to recognize patterns, like smallest to largest
  • Has trouble understanding number symbols, like making the connection between “7” and seven
Grade School Signs:
  • Has difficulty learning and recalling basic math facts, such as 2 + 4 = 6.
  • Still uses fingers to count instead of using more advanced strategies (like mental math).
  • Has a tough time understanding math phrases, like greater than and less than

Subitizing
The ability to see a small amount of objects and know how many there are without counting.

Students with Dyscalculia would potentially have a lot of trouble with subitizing.
What Can You Do?: Classroom and At Home Management
Dyscalculia is not a disability that can be treated medically. It can however, be successfully managed with the correct amount and type of therapy and intervention. Outlined below are examples of methods that were consistently recommended.
As a parent
  • Introduce your child to math games that will require problem solving and strategy. Begin with a game your child is comfortable with and then move towards more challenging games
  • Use math in everyday activities
  • Imaginative play that requires them to handle money and make change
  • Ask them to help you cook and work with the on fractions/measurements of the ingredients
  • On trips ask your child to help you calculate distance
  • Math Geek Mama offers great resources for children with Dyscalculia
  • Visit Understood.org for 
As a teacher
​Dyscalculia Guidance
By Brian Butterworth and Dorian Yeo
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Dyscalculia Guidance is an accessible and practical manual for teachers to help them best support pupils with dyscalculia. It offers:
  • A detailed definition and description of dyscalculia, to aid understanding of the condition
  • Guidelines for helping dyscalculic pupils
  • Teaching strategies to help…



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