Dyscalculia in children is characterized by a math learning disability that can affect their ability to perform mathematical calculations and understand or learn arithmetic (1). Dyscalculia can be developmental (present at birth) or acquired (occurring later in life, such as after a brain injury). Children with dyscalculia may face several challenges on the academic and personal front because they may have significantly lower academic skills than their peers (2) (3). It may lead to issues with self-confidence and self-esteem. Read this post to learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for children with dyscalculia.
Causes Of Dyscalculia In Children
In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-V), as stated by the American Psychiatric Association, dyscalculia is referred to difficulties with basic mathematical concepts, facts, and calculations (2). Some children with dyscalculia cannot grasp basic number concepts and work hard to memorize them, but they miss the logic behind them. According to UNESCO, the exact causes for dyscalculia are unknown and vary from child to child. However, some potential risk factors of dyscalculia in children are (4) (5)
Symptoms Of Dyscalculia In Children
The signs and symptoms of dyscalculia in children may vary from person to person and age. In preschool children (1) (3):
Delayed learning to count Cannot memorize simple numbers Struggle to relate mathematical symbols (5) to their corresponding words (five) Have trouble identifying patterns and arranging things in order Relies on visual aids, such as counting with fingers, long after others have stopped using this method
In primary school children (1) (3):
Have trouble remembering and learning basic math functions, such as addition and subtraction, time tables, and other topics Counting with fingers instead of using advanced skills (such as mental math) Mathematical signs and symbols are not well understood Struggle with math homework assignments and tests Have difficulty keeping at grade-level in math Have difficulty keeping track of game scores and memorizing digits, such as phone numbers and zip codes Unable to tell time on an analog clock Have trouble anticipating how much something will cost or how long a task will take Avoid circumstances that demand understanding numbers, such as playing math games Struggles to remember directions and to tell right from left
In secondary school children (1):
Struggles with visual-spatial concepts, such as graphs and charts Have difficulty figuring various ways to solve the same mathematical problem, such as adding the length and breadth of a rectangle and doubling the result to find the perimeter Struggles with reasoning methods and multi-step mathematical approaches Have difficulty assessing speed, distance, and directions, as well as measuring goods, such as ingredients Have difficulty with money matters Avoid answering math-related questions during everyday interactions
Problems Associated With Dyscalculia In Children
Dyscalculia often coexists with other disabilities, including (4) (7):
Diagnosis Of Dyscalculia In Children
There is no specific test for diagnosing dyscalculia in children, and it is based on a child’s difficulty in mathematics. If you suspect your child to have dyscalculia, consult with your child’s teachers and medical professionals to evaluate your child. In general, the diagnosis of dyscalculia in children mainly include (5):
Identifying difficulty in mathematics that affects academic or everyday life, Ruling out the other factors, such as ADHD, anxiety disorders, and other mental illnesses, that could be responsible for the difficulty
A professional or a medical specialist will conduct a detailed examination for the diagnosis of dyscalculia in children, which can include (8):
CODY math test Test of basic mathematical competencies at the beginning of schooling (MBK 1+) Bamberg Dyscalculia Diagnostic Test (BADYS) 1–4+ (R) DEMAT German mathematics test Eggenberg Calculation Test (ERT) Heidelberg Arithmetic Test (HRT) 1-4 Bielefeld Arithmetic Test (BIRTE) Test of numerical calculating skills from kindergarten to the third grade (TEDI-MATH) Competence Assessment in Kindergarten and School (KEKS) Diagnostic Inventory for Arithmetic Skills in Primary School (DIRG) Mathematical and Arithmetical Concepts in First-Graders—Diagnosis (MARKO-D1+)
Treatment For Dyscalculia In Children
The treatment for children with dyscalculia is difficult. It depends on a child’s cognitive functional profile and severity of signs and symptoms (7).
Strategies To Help A Child With Dyscalculia
Given below are some methods which you can try to help your child with dyscalculia:
