Understanding Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia is a specific learning difficulty that affects the ability to acquire arithmetical skills. It is not related to intelligence and frequently co-occurs with dyslexia.
What is dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia is a specific learning difficulty that affects the ability to acquire arithmetical skills. Learners may have difficulty understanding simple number concepts, lack an intuitive grasp of numbers, and have problems learning number facts and procedures.
Even if they produce a correct answer or use a correct method, they may do so mechanically and without confidence. It is estimated to affect around 5–7% of the population.
Dyscalculia frequently co-occurs with dyslexia, ADHD, and dyspraxia. A separate diagnostic assessment is required to diagnose dyscalculia.
Key facts
Common signs of dyscalculia
How to support dyscalculia
Concrete Materials
Use physical objects, number lines, and manipulatives to make abstract concepts tangible. Cuisenaire rods and Numicon are particularly effective.
Multi-sensory Approaches
Combine visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic learning approaches. Rhythm and movement can help with number facts and sequences.
Assistive Technology
Calculators, number-to-word converters, and specialist maths software can reduce the cognitive load and allow learners to demonstrate their understanding.