Dyscalculia

Downloadable PDF - What is Dyscalulia?

Information adapted from Understood.org

Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia is termed a learning disability in maths. 

People with dyscalculia:

• have trouble with maths at many levels. 

• often struggle with key concepts like bigger vs. smaller

• can find basic concepts like quantities a challenge

• can find it as hard to learn addition as it is to learn algebra

• can have a hard time doing basic maths problems and more abstract maths

• don’t outgrow dyscalculia. Kids who have a hard time with maths may continue to struggle with it as adults

• can find it hard to do everyday tasks. Cooking, grocery shopping, and getting places on time all involve these basic maths skills, which are known as number sense.

But there are strategies that can help them improve maths skills and manage the challenges.

There are different terms for dyscalculia. Mathematics learning disability is one. Mathematics learning disorder is another. Some people call it maths dyslexia or number dyslexia. This can be misleading. Dyslexia is a challenge with reading. Dyscalculia is a challenge with maths.

The poster below outlines the areas that students with dyscalculia require support with. Click the top right corner to download a PDF version.