Research suggests that, like other learning disabilities, dyscalculia has a genetic influence and may run in families. Prematurely born children with a low birth weight and children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD), Gerstmann’s Syndrome, developmental language disorder, dyslexia, epilepsy, Turner’s Syndrome and fragile X syndrome are also susceptible to having dyscalculia. In fact, about 25% of students with dyscalculia also have ADHD or dyslexia.

Poor teaching and a poor learning environment have also been linked to the development of Dyscalculia in students.

Dyscalculia is thought to be caused or exacerbated by many different factors, including:

• Neurological defects.
• Poor working memory.
• Genetics.
• Poor teaching, including using a poor or untested curriculum.
• Poor learning environment.
• Math anxiety.