Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia, also known as dyscalcula, is a little known learning disablity that affects the ablitiy to complete mathematics.

“Learning disabilities are disorders that affect the ability to understand or use spoken or written language, do mathematical calculations, coordinate movements, or direct attention. Although learning disabilities occur in very young children, the disorders are usually not recognized until the child reaches school age. Research shows that 8 to 10 percent of American children under 18 years of age have some type of learning disability.” Developmental dyscalculia is defined as being two standard deviations below the mean between mental age and math age. There is clear reason to believe there is an example of retardation of math development. Dyscalculia is classified based on how it affects the individual. To read about the different classifications of dyscalculia read The Dyscalculia Syndrome by Renee M. Newman, M.S. Special Eucation. The link is found at the external links associated with this article.

Symptoms can include spatial problems, difficulty aligning numbers, sequencing including left to right orientation, math concepts and word problems.

Individuals with suspected dyscaculia may have normal or accelerated language skills and the ability to retain “the printed word”. In the academic setting, students are usually good at science and continue to excel in the subject until their ability to do the needed math is no longer possible as they lack the needed “higher math skills.” Individuals are typically good in the areas of science (until a level requiring higher mathematics skills is reached), geometry, and creative arts.

Other symptoms may include inconsistent results when completing addition, subtraction, multiplication and division problems. This can include the inability to make long-term financial planning as they have difficulties with credit planning and related financial transactions. Dyscalculia is commonly associated with other related problems including Attention-Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder, regulation of emotion problems, tic disorders and bipolar disorders.