Dyscalculia
The British Dyslexia Association tells us:
About 6% of people have dyscalculia. Studies into the causes of dyscalculia are about 30 years behind research into dyslexia. 60% of individuals with dyslexia will have difficulties with maths.
So, what is Dyscalculia?
It is a specific and persistent difficulty in understanding numbers which can lead to a diverse range of difficulties with mathematics. It will be unexpected in relation to age, level of education and experience and occurs across all ages and abilities.
It is more than this.
The symptoms in teenagers and adults often look like difficulty with:
- Counting backwards
- Measuring items
- Using money to pay for items
- Measuring quantities
- Breaking down problems into multiple steps
A simple 2+2 = requires:
- Visual processing
- Short term memory
- Language
- Long term memory
- Understanding of quantities and amounts
However...
People with dyscalculia are also often gifted in other areas, especially creative skills, the arts and many problem-solving activities.
In-school support
The GL screener, if requested by parents, offers a screen risk of dyscalculia present. This is not diagnosis, however if traits present on this screener this suggests the need for additional specialist investigation. This outcome will be shared with parents and a learning plan will be created for the pupil.
How can I find out more?
The Dyscalculia Association - Understanding Maths Difficulties. Training and Diagnosis.
