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Math Problems Could Spell Dyscalculia

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Math problems can spell dyscalculia.  Solve this: “If you have $196 dollars and you spend $27, how much money do you have left?” If you are a math whiz you quickly knew the answer was $169 but perhaps you had to think about it, write it, ask Alexa, or use a calculator before knowing the answer.  The key here is you knew the basics of how to solve the problem. If you did not have technology, you could solve the math problem by hand.

Dyscalculia

Some children receive adequate math instruction but perform poorly in math due to a math learning disability called dyscalculia.  These children might grasp simple math but struggle with multistep math or math word problems.  They learn multiplication facts only to forget them.

What Causes Math Difficulty?

There are many reasons why a child might have math difficulty.  Consider the introductory math problem. What brain systems did you use to solve the problem?  One cognitive system which is important for math is visualization.  You might have visualized the numbers 196 and 27 in your mind as you visually regrouped and subtracted in your mind to solve the equation. Another important cognitive system is your working memory.  You had to hold 196 and 27 in your working memory while you performed the math operation.

A third cognitive system important for math is attention.  Regardless of using mental math or paper, you had to give great attention to detail as you solved the problem.  If you made one careless error, it doomed your answer.  Language is a fourth cognitive system involved in math.  You had to use language to understand “how much money do you have left” requires subtraction.  Math has other specialized vocabulary words such as sum, radius, and hypotenuse.  A fifth cognitive system needed for math is processing speed.  Your child is often timed on math tests or expected to rapidly know their basic addition, subtraction, or multiplication facts.

They Can’t Just  “Try Harder”

As you can see, telling your child to ‘try harder’ in math might not be the solution.  Our testing helps identify which of your child’s cognitive systems are working well and which ones might be causing a math learning disability and dyscalculia.  There are specialized math programs and learning strategies available to help children.

Call to discuss your child (561) 625 4125.

Dyscalculia: A Math Learning Disability

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Dyscalculia (pronounced dys-cal-kule-ya) is a type of math learning disability.  I explain this to some parents and they say it sounds like dyslexia, but for math. They are right as dyscalculia occurs in about half of the children with dyslexia.  Your child might have dyscalculia if he or she struggles with memorizing math facts, understanding math vocabulary, and strongly dislikes math. Dyscalculia becomes more noticeable as children get into upper elementary, middle, and high school.

What is Dyscalculia

Generally, people with dyscalculia have poor ‘number sense.’ This is an intuitive understanding of how numbers work. A lack of number sense causes people with dyscalculia to struggle with math concepts. If your child doesn’t understand the basics about how numbers work, learning math and using it every day can be very frustrating.

Dyscalculia warning signs include difficulty seeing how numbers work together, poor math fact recall, difficulty understanding concepts like “sum” or “less than,” telling left from right, reading an analog clock, trouble solving math word problems, and difficulty working with dollars and coins. Most children believe they are not good at math and might experience math anxiety.

Dyscalculia Testing

Consider having your child tested to determine the root cause of his or her math difficulty. There might be more occurring than you can fix simply by telling your child to try harder or to stop being lazy.  We offer in person dyscalculia testing in Jupiter and Stuart.

What To Do If It Is Dyscalculia

Kids with dyscalculia need specialized instruction and can receive school accommodations.  Your child might need to work with a specialized math tutor or attend a special learning center like the Lindamood Bell center in Palm Beach Gardens.  At school an IEP might be needed.  Some kids benefit from school accommodations on a 504 Plan. There is a lot that can be done once we know the root cause.

Get your child tested if you believe something is interfering with your child’s math, reading, or writing.  When you take a wait and see approach it becomes harder to fix the older your child becomes, and it can damage your child’s self-esteem.   Contact us if we can help you.