Making Sense of Dyscalculia
2007-02-28

By D. E. Herrod, B.Ed.E, M.Div

Dyscalculia is related to dyslexia and is lesser know. However unlike dyslexia does not have clearly defined criteria for diagnosis According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, “dyscalculia is a term referring to a wide range of life-long learning disabilities involving math.” (1) Literally dyscalculia means math difficulty.

There are three underlying causes of dyscalculia. Visual processing and sequencing skills are important in mastering math concepts. Difficulty with visualizing numbers can lead to transpositions and omissions. Problems with sequencing or organizing information can make mastering math facts and formulas difficult. The third underlying cause is math phobia or fear of math. Math phobia can be as debilitating as actual learning problems. Due to past negative experiences some people develop a fear of math or believe they are doomed to fail. (2)

Children with dyscalculia may have difficulty learning to tell time as well as understanding the concept of time. An example of this would be in planning and estimating the time needed to complete homework and chores. (4) Adults with dyscalculia may have trouble recalling schedules, keep track of time, chronic lateness, balancing a checkbook and budgeting. (5) Another trait of dyscalculia is strong reading and language skills but weak math and problem solving skills. A poor sense of direction is another common trait of dyscalculia. (6)

Notes:

1. National Center for Learning Disabilities, “Dyscalculia” [http://www.ldonline.org/article/13709].

2. Scott L. Crouse, “Dyscalculia (or dyscalcula)” [http://www.ldinfo.com/dyscalculia.htm].

3. Ed Keller, webmaster. “Dyscalculia (or dyscalcula)” [http://www.as.wvu.edu/~scidis/dyscalcula.html].

4. Dr Bjorn Adler, “Signs on Dyscalculia” [http://www.dyscalculiainfo.org/index-filer/Page339.htm].

5. Renee Newman, “Dyscalculia Symptoms” [http://www.dyscalculia.org/calc.html].

6. National Center for Learning Disabilities, “Dyscalculia” [http://www.ldonline.org/article/13709].