Supporting your child with dyscalculia
by Toni Horn
Oct 1, 2023
Understanding Dyscalculia
Definition: Dyscalculia is a learning difficulty associated with mathematics. Individuals with dyscalculia may struggle with number- related concepts, lack an intuitive grasp of numbers, and have problems learning number facts and procedures.
Key Challenges: People with dyscalculia may struggle to understand and remember mathematical concepts like quantity, order, and operations. They might struggle with counting, calculating, measuring, and spatial reasoning.
Neurobiological Basis: Dyscalculia is thought to be linked to impairments in the brain's ability to process numerical magnitude. It is not indicative of a person's overall intelligence and can occur independently or alongside other learning difficulties.
Signs and Age of Onset of Dyscalculia
Early Signs: In young children, difficulties may be seen when they struggle with sequencing numbers, have trouble grasping counting principles (like counting on or back), or show a lack of understanding of 'more than' or 'less than' concepts. They may also find it hard to recognise patterns and to understand the concept of place value.
Preschool: At this stage, children may avoid activities involving numbers and show a strong preference for play not involving counting or numbers. They might also have trouble understanding daily routines or sequences that involve a sense of time or order.
School-Age Children: As children progress through primary school, signs of dyscalculia become more pronounced. They may consistently make errors in calculation, have difficulty memorising basic arithmetic facts, or use their fingers for counting long past the age when this is typical. They might struggle with learning and recalling times tables, have difficulty with conceptual aspects of math such as fractions, and find word problems particularly challenging. These difficulties can lead to anxiety about math classes and homework.
Adolescents and Teenagers: In older children, dyscalculia may manifest as challenges with more advanced mathematical concepts like algebra, problem-solving, and geometry. They may continue to have difficulty with tasks requiring estimation, measurement, and spatial awareness, which can extend to everyday life skills such as managing money and understanding graphs and charts.
Getting a Diagnosis: Diagnostic Assessment
Assessment Process: Obtaining a formal diagnosis for dyscalculia usually involves a detailed educational assessment. This is often carried out by an educational psychologist who is trained to administer and interpret a range of standardised tests. These tests are designed to evaluate a child's mathematical reasoning, number skills, and cognitive abilities related to maths.
Referral Pathway: Initially, concerns may be raised by parents or teachers, after which the child may be referred to the school's Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). The SENCO may then refer the child for an assessment by an educational psychologist, which can be accessed through local educational authorities or private services.
School Support: Enhancing Learning for Children with Dyscalculia
Educational Adjustments: Schools can provide support by using concrete materials and visual aids and breaking mathematical concepts into smaller, more manageable parts.
Role of Teachers: Teachers should employ multi-sensory teaching methods and provide clear, step-by-step instructions for mathematical processes. Consistent and positive reinforcement is also crucial.
Support at Home: Practical Strategies
Home Activities: Encouraging engagement with number-based activities at home can be a fun and effective way to support learning. Playing board games that involve strategic thinking and numerical calculations, such as Monopoly or Bingo, can be helpful. Interactive computer games designed to build numeracy skills can also be beneficial. In addition, cooking can provide practical experience with measuring quantities and understanding proportions.
Visual and Tactile Learning: Using visual aids such as number lines, charts, and diagrams can help in visualising mathematical concepts. Tactile experiences, such as building blocks or manipulatives, can aid in understanding spatial and numerical relationships.
Daily Activities as Learning Opportunities: Incorporate mathematics into daily routines. For example, asking the child to help with shopping can provide a real-world context for practising counting and calculating change. Similarly, planning a journey can help with understanding distances and reading timetables.
Encouragement and Praise: Recognise and celebrate the child's efforts and successes, no matter how small. This positive reinforcement boosts their confidence and motivates them to tackle challenging tasks.
Conclusion
Embracing the journey with dyscalculia requires patience, understanding, and consistent support. Recognising the early signs and seeking a comprehensive assessment are pivotal steps toward securing the necessary assistance for your child. With appropriate educational adjustments and practical strategies at home, children with dyscalculia can develop a firmer grasp of mathematical concepts and enhance their confidence in their abilities. As parents, providing a nurturing environment filled with encouragement and tailored learning opportunities is one of the most empowering steps you can take. In doing so, you not only help your child to manage their learning difficulty but also enable them to discover their strengths and potential.
Useful Links for Parents:
