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Dyscalculia is a specific learning disability with an impairment in mathematics, which can affect calculations, problem solving, or both. It impacts all sorts of numerical tasks and it is inborn, meaning you are born with it. Although there is not yet a generally accepted definition of dyscalculia, the DSM-5 mentions difficulties with number sense, memorization of basic math facts, and accurate and fluent calculation. An estimated 4-7% of students have dyscalculia, so a teacher can expect to have one or two students with this per class.
What are Common Symptoms of Dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia in children usually involves one or more of the following:
Counting: starting to count later and less accurately than other children their age
Mentally connecting a number with a size or quantity (number sense)
Effortlessly knowing how many dots are on a dice or dominoes without counting
Estimating and comparing larger quantities
Memorizing sequences such as the order of daily activities or days of the week
Doing basic math: memorizing and applying math facts for addition or subtraction
Learning multiplication tables: learning it one day and completely forgetting it the next day
Difficulty choosing the calculation for the numbers in a word problem
Needing more time for math work and making mistakes that are far off
Learning to tell time using an analog clock
Math anxiety is very common
To learn what can be done for students go to an article from LDA Of America by Dr. Anneke Schreuder, a Dutch pediatrician and neonatologist.
https://ldaamerica.org/what-is-dyscalculia/
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