LD: Dyscalculia

Another type of learning disability is dyscalculia. Much like dyslexia, I have written a post on dyscalculia, in 2021. However, much like with my recent post on dyslexia, I think it’s time to take another look at dyscalculia. It’s important to bring awareness to issues like these.

So let’s get into it!

What Is Dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia is the learning ability that affects a person’s ability to learn and understand mathematics. It does impact and challenges everyday aspects that involves mathematical concepts. Dyscalculia affects learning math at any level, which is why it can affect every day tasks involving math.

Some signs and indicators of dyscalculia include;

• Trouble with mental math and problem-solving
• Difficulty memorizing mathematical facts 
• Money-related tasks are a challenge 
• Trouble telling time on an analog clock 
• Difficulty associating numbers and symbols to amounts
• Has trouble with concepts like biggest versus smallest 
• Difficulty with visual-spacial processing 

These are just some of the things that those with dyscalculia have difficulty and struggles with.

Dyscalculia affects everyone differently and affects kids, teens and adults.

Myths & Misconceptions

Much like so many things, there are misconceptions and myths surrounding  dyscalculia as well. So let’s take a look at some of them.

Myth #1: Dyscalculia isn’t very common.

Dyscalculia isn’t as well-known or talked about as other conditions like dyslexia and may not be as well documented. However, this doesn’t mean it’s uncommon. Experts say that dyscalculia may be just as common as dyslexia.

Myth #2: All kids with dyscalculia have the same struggles with math.

Quite the opposite. Dyscalculia presents itself differently in everyone with the condition. Some may struggle with multi-step math problems. While others struggle more with charts and graphs.

However, most with dyscalculia do have one thing in common: difficulty remembering basic math facts and doing math problems.

Myth #3: Kids and adults with dyscalculia can’t learn math.

It is true that kids and adults with dyscalculia struggle and have a harder time with math than their peers. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t learn or be good at math. They may just need to learn it a little differently and find strategies that works for them.

These are just some of the myths and misconceptions about dyscalculia.

Managing Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia is a lifelong condition. There are no cure or medication for dyscalculia. 

However, that being said, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t things that can help those with dyscalculia. There are things that can help them have a bit of an easier time understanding math concepts they struggle with and find strategies to help them with what they need.

Some approaches include special instructions, accommodations, and other types of interventions.

Accommodations in the classroom and workplace are important and beneficial in order to help the person with dyscalculia succeed. Accommodations could be giving students more time to complete a math test or using calculators or scratch paper. There are a variety of accommodations that can be made.

Some research has found that multi sensory structured approach have been really helpful for those with dyscalculia. So finding a tutor or a program that uses this approach could be something to look into.

Whatever method or strategy is used, the important thing is that it is helpful to those with dyscalculia and makes math concepts a little easier.