Dyscalculia isn't a familiar term for a
lot of people, but this math learning
disability is quite common.
In fact, researchers think it might be as common
as dyslexia. Dyscalculia makes it hard to
understand and work with numbers.
It affects children at school and also
in their everyday lives. They might have
trouble measuring ingredients for
instance, or making exact change in the
store. Children don't outgrow dyscalculia,
but there are strategies and
teaching approaches that can help them
learn and enjoy math. It's not clear what
causes dyscalculia, but research points to
genetics and differences in how the
brain is structured and functions.
There's also a strong connection between
dyscalculia and dyslexia. Around half of
children with dyscalculia also have
reading issues, and many children with
dyslexia have trouble with math.
It's very common for children to have more
than one learning and attention issue.
But even if a child has other issues
besides dyscalculia, it's important to
address the math disability apart from
the other challenges. The signs of
dyscalculia become more noticeable as
children get older and math becomes more
complex. But signs of children being
at risk for dyscalculia can appear as
early as preschool. One of the most
common signs is trouble understanding
quantity. Children often don't get the
concept of more versus less, or biggest
versus smallest. They might also not
understand that a number stands for a
quantity. That the number seven for
instance, means seven items in any group,
such as seven apples or seven blocks.
Another sign is not really knowing what
numbers are, or how they work. For
instance, a child might not know that the
symbol for a number and the written word
of that number are the same. These
abilities are sometimes referred to as
number sense,
and most children with developmental
dyscalculia struggle with them. Children
may also have difficulties with
procedural aspects of math, such as
lining up numbers correctly to solve a
problem. But children can also learn
about numbers using their senses. One
example is working with objects or
sounds. A child might count out a group
of seven beads so that she can see what
seven looks like, or she might count out
numbers by clapping them or ringing a
bell. These multisensory techniques give
children another way to connect to basic
math concepts and skills. Relating these
back to the symbols is key. Schools can
also provide accommodations that give
children access to what they're learning.
Children might get extended time on
tests or assignments, for instance, or be
able to use manipulatives such as
base ten blocks and number lines to figure
out problems. There are ways parents can help
at home. Playing math-related games can
be a fun way to work on math skills,
and there are many apps and software that
can make math easier to learn and do.
Everyday activities like cooking or
baking let parents draw attention to
numbers. As they work with their child,
it's important for parents to know that
having dyscalculia is not a matter of
intelligence. Children can have
difficulties in math and still thrive in
school and in life.
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