This is a learning disorder that makes people have increased difficulty learning math skills. This makes it difficult for them to keep up with the academic curriculum and move on to more advanced forms of mathematics. They usually have difficulties with visual-spatial relationships and find it hard to process formulas and math computations. There’re different terms for dyscalculia. Mathematics learning disorder is one, and mathematics learning disability is another.
People don’t outgrow dyscalculia. Children who have a difficult time with math might continue to struggle with it in their adulthood. However, there’re strategies that can help kids improve their math skills and handle the challenges. Difficulty with math can happen at all levels. It can be as difficult to learn algebra as it’s to learn addition. Basic concepts such as quantities can also be a challenge. That’s why dyscalculia can make it difficult for the patent to do everyday tasks.
Individuals with dyscalculia may have trouble with math in various ways. Symptoms might vary from individual to individual and can appear differently at different ages. In some people, problems with number sense may occur as early as preschool. In other people, the signs show up as math gets more complicated in school.
Common symptoms of dyscalculia include trouble:
· Understanding the meaning of concepts or quantities such as smallest vs. biggest
· Comprehending that the word “five” is the same as the numeral 5 and that both mean five items
· Judging distance or speed
· Estimating time
· Understanding the logic behind math
The exact causes of dyscalculia are unknown. However, according to researchers, there’re two possible causes of the condition. These include:
Genes and heredity: According to research, genetics might play a role in problems with math.
Brain development: According to brain imaging studies, there’re some differences in brain development in people with and without the condition. The differences have to do with the brain’s structure and how it works in areas that are associated with learning skills.
An evaluation is the only way to diagnose dyscalculia. Evaluators utilize different tests for children than for adults. Evaluators use a particular set of tests for dyscalculia. However, evaluations also include testing for other challenges. This is because people with dyscalculia sometimes also struggle in other areas such as working memory or reading. A diagnosis lets children receive services and supports at school. For instance, children may get special instruction in math. The school may also provide accommodations to make learning math easier for them.
