Spotting Dyscalculia: When it’s more than just a “math difficulty”

Many kids struggle with math, but for some of them, these difficulties go beyond just a little frustration. If the child’s math issues are persistent, it may be a sign of a specific type of learning disability called Dyscalculia.

The term 'calculia' refers to math and thus, the occurrence of dyscalculia hinders the ability of a child to learn and perform mathematical or any number-based operations, and to understand concepts underlying numbers, i.e. the language of math.

Children with dyscalculia tend to have difficulties in:

• Identifying numbers and symbols

• Development of 'number sense' and movement from number to number

• Ability to visualize how the math line works: while all competent math users use a mental mathematical number line and can see where numbers are in relation to each other (ex. 1 is on the extreme left and 10 is on the extreme right), this is usually not the case with a dyscalculic individual

• Understanding procedures and principles of counting numbers and how math happens (i.e. when someone moves from 1 to 5, 5 is larger than 1)

• Estimation and mental math: they have trouble estimating coins on a table or using logic to get to answers quickly (eg. 3 pens = 30 rupees so 6 pens = 60 rupees)

• Measurement of quantities like length, weight, area, time, temperature, money and conversion from one measurement unit to another (eg. 1 km = 1000 m; “quarter past” is 15 minutes)

• Working with numbers: using functions like addition/subtraction and adding sets of numbers (eg. how 10s, 20s, 30s work)

• Working with patterns and identifying sequences (eg. counting by 2 is 2,4,6,8,10)

• Understanding spatial relations (eg. maps, the concept of left/right, before/after)

• Understanding rules for formulas, scoring games etc.

Dyscalculia often goes undiagnosed until the child consistently performs poorly in math class. Look out for these early warning signs to seek help if required:

• Difficulty recognizing numbers and placing them in ascending/descending order

• Counting mistakes when different quantities of objects are given

• Struggling to connect numerical symbol (7) to words (seven)

• Difficulty in understanding word problems and non-numerical math calculations

• Losing track when counting

• Needing visual aids (eg. counting with fingers) long after peers have stopped

• Difficulty in learning and retaining multiplication or division tables

• Extreme emotional reactions like frustration/stress/anxiety when presented with math problems

• Struggling to process visuospatial ideas like charts and graphs

The impacts of Dyscalculia can go beyond school. Children with Dyscalculia also have trouble remembering zip codes or phone numbers. troubles with money matters (like giving change, counting notes, splitting a bill), difficulty in estimating time or judging distance, struggles in remembering directions and telling time or reading clocks. One of the biggest signs of any specific learning disorder is a noticeable gap between their aptitude in different subjects.

For example, a kid with Dyscalculia may perform extremely well in other classes like English or History but perform poorly in Math classes.

Dyscalculic kids tend to experience a general sense of learned helplessness, and thus rely on passive learning by waiting for someone to help them. Due to deficits in memory and attention, it is difficult for them to remember and retrieve mathematical information which may cause stress and anxiety. There are numerous ways in which you can support a dyscalculic child:

• Provide math tutors, especially those that have an experience working with children that learn differently. This will allow the child to practice math in a slower, less stressful setting.

• Provide tech tools like math apps and games that help to practice math in a fun way.

• Accommodate them by giving extra time on exams, a quiet space for working, the option to record classes, homework assistance etc.

It is important to acknowledge the child’s struggles and praise their hard work, even if the results aren’t up to the mark! Combating negative self talk, helping them identify their strengths and offering positive reinforcement will boost their self-confidence and reduce anxiety.

Reach out to us at +91 9426252627 or braintism@gmail.com if any of these serious issues persist.