Dyscalculia: Symptoms, Treatment, Diagnosis

Dyscalculia refers to a mental disability that concerns a child’s general capacity to solve concepts of Maths.

Children with Dyscalculia syndrome find it very tough to understand the general concept of maths and to solve basic equations.

They cannot understand the concept, steps and formula of general mathematics. However, it is not a rare syndrome as per the recent research.

3 to 7 percent of adults and children are experiencing this disability. 

There is a fine line between dyscalculia and dyslexia, while the latter can be more impactful in children.

Dyslexia refers to the inability to read and write on the other hand; dyscalculia only concerns Mathematics particularly. 

How to know if you have dyscalculia?

The symptoms of dyscalculia vary from one person to another as it depends on a child’s development stage and environment. However, there are some common symptoms like:

Unable to recognize numbers 

Children often find it very troublesome to identify the numbers.

For instance, if you ask them to pass five blocks, they will hand them over without counting the blocks. It might be a common sign of dyscalculia.

On the other hand, if you notice your child is taking the help of fingers to count numbers where anyone of their age can do the same without counting, you should look for a solution. 

Difficulty in understanding and remembering the basic concept of maths

Another common sign is that children find it difficult to understand mathematical phrases like ‘greater than, ‘equal to’ etc.

If you find your child is unable to understand the general concept of maths like division, fractions, borrowing, and multiplication, In contrast, the equation is very easy for others; you better not waste time and consult a learning expert. 

Difficult to recognize verbal or written cues with mathematical signs or symbols

They might find it difficult to recognize the difference between verbal cues and maths symbols; for example, children with dyscalculia syndrome find it hard to reconcile between two and 2.

If you see this habit repeatedly, by now, you might have understood the reason behind it! 

Children with this syndrome find it very difficult to explain the process of Maths to others

 It is prevalent among the classmates to teach them a particular lesson and make them understand the process.

Apart from that, if you ask your child to describe the process of the equation he/she did a moment ago, they will fail to explain the process properly.

They also face difficulty in explaining the sequence of events and follow the steps of the equation. 

In most cases, dyscalculia is a genetic disability.

Doctors have not yet found a direct cure for this problem. However, there are many ways suggested by learning specialists to deal with this problem.

Apart from that, there is also some environmental pressure that causes children to develop this symptom.

For example: if the child is taught the concepts of maths with hands-on reasoning behind those formulas, they fail to catch the simple way and may not develop the neural pathway to comprehend different frameworks of Maths. 

Repeated practice of maths, segmenting the topics within a small group can help the children to comprehend their lesson.

They can also be introduced with tangible demonstrations where they will be able to understand the concept very clearly.

The treatment can be planned according to the child’s need, interest and talent.