Dyscalculia is a learning disability many children suffer from. It affects the way a person understands basic mathematics. In a nutshell, it's dyslexia with math. Many children who are dyslexic, also have dyscalculia.
So what exactly is dyscalculia, and how can it affect you (or your child?)
People who suffer from this learning disability usually can't perform simple math problems, such as distinguishing the difference between odd and even numbers, telling time, or basic fractions. Shapes can prove difficult as well. Trouble with addition and subtraction, multiplication, and basic division are also signs of the learning disability.
Symptoms include:
- Your child can not write and copy down numbers in the correct order.
- Your child has difficulties recognizing shapes, such as circles, triangles, and squares.
- Your child can not differentiate between even and odd numbers.
- Your child can not tell you the time from an analog clock.
- Your child can not understand fractions.
- Your child has anxiety when it comes to math.
Children can be effected in many ways due to dyscalculia, but some of the biggest ones include the feeling of inadequacy next to their peers (which in turn could cause a domino effect - your child feels stupid, gives up trying, low self-esteem, etc), the inability to get good jobs as an adult (you can not even go to the grocery store without understanding simple math - to be able to quickly add up a grocery cart full of food - let alone get a high paying job), or even graduate college (your child may decide NOT to go to college just because of this).
Of course there are calculators in today's world, so your child doesn't need to be a super star in math. However, if a child can't even understand numbers, and how they look, a calculator will not do them any good.
If you think your child might have the learning disability, there are things you can do. There are books, and software, and many options available to you. A tutor may be something you might consider, or talking to your child's teacher to see if they have any ideas.
Your child's teacher may be the first place to start. They spend the most time with your child throughout the day, and will notice any learning difficulties your child may experience. The chances are high if your child has dyscalculia, your child's teacher may already be concerned.
Dyscalculia can be treated, and should be treated as soon as it becomes clear your child has it. Math is in everyday life, no matter what you do or where you go. It is imperative you give your child the best possible future they can have, by treating dyscalculia early.
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