What is dyscalculia, and what help can be given to those with the condition?

Not as well known as dyslexia, dyscalculia is a disability that leads to an impaired capacity to understand a variety of number-related concepts. Simply put, a child with Dyscalculia will perform worse then their peers in mathematics. Sometimes called `number-dyslexia` or `maths dyslexia` it is estimated to affect between 3% and 6% of the population, and unlike a lot of learning difficulties affects females as much as it does males.

Dyscalculia can negatively affect a broad spectrum of abilities outside of the classroom: for example individuals may have trouble telling them time, performing mental arithmetic, counting money, and recognising patterns. Many children with dyscalculia will struggle to pick up certain foundational mathematical skills, such as adding, subtracting, and times tables. It would be a mistake to think that dyscalculia will only manifest in during maths lessons though, as it can also negatively affect other parts of the curriculum.

Though it is certainly not always the case, children with dyscalculia can also be afflicted with other learning difficulties, such as ADD, and dyslexia. The reason for these disorders being associated is unclear, and there is much research currently underway concerning the cognitive linkage of these disparate conditions.

According to a study published by the the International Journal of Child and Adolescent Health in 2015, around 11% of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD or ADHD) will also have Dyscalculia. The condition is a specific one, as children afflicted with it may excel in other subjects.

Not all problems with mathematics are caused by Dyscalculia, and it can be tricky for a parent or teacher to identify the signs. Persistent problems in mathematics are the most obvious indicators, with the pupil making little or no improvement in the subject over time. Difficulty remembering numbers, postcodes, and passwords are other common symptoms of the disability. Struggles with money is something adults with dyscalculia often exhibit - calculating bills, such as working out the tip at a restaurant, or splitting the bill amongst all the diners, are all common hardships caused by the condition. Difficulties with distances, and telling left from right, and being frustrated by certain games that require constant score keeping or number strategies are other issues that children and adults with dyscalculia may have to contend with.

With such a constellation of symptoms, what should a parent do if they believe their child has dyscalculia? According to the Child Mind Institute, visiting the doctor is the first action that should be taken. This is to rule out any vision or hearing impairments that could be impeding your child`s learning. With this disqualified you should set up a meeting with your child`s maths teacher. By consulting with them you can get their opinion on your child`s progress in the subject, and understand the areas they are struggling most in.

Because as many as half of children who are diagnosed with dyscalculia have other learning issues, it would be prudent to meet some of their other teachers, so you can get a better understanding as to their their progress. Consulting with a specialist will be the final step - they will be able to provide an accurate diagnosis, and offer the appropriate advice.

Being such a relatively recently defined condition, specific support for dyscalculia is in its elemental phases. The most promising avenue appears to be through the use of something called `concrete manipulatives.` This methodology teaches the child to develop a sense of number in a visual manner. It is theorised that dyscalculia may be the result of a difficulty with the symbolic nature of mathematics - the way the symbol `1` symbolises the number one. By teaching children to associate numbers visually (through the use of concrete manipulatives such as Cuisenaire Rods, Diene`s apparatus, dot patterns) much process has been made tackling the condition.