Introduction:
Dyscalculia is a specific learning difficulty (SpLD) that significantly affects a person’s ability to understand and work with numbers. It can have a profound impact on several parts of a person’s life, from academic performance to daily activities. In this blog post, we will explore the symptoms of dyscalculia, the importance of early recognition, and how Aim Forward can provide support and guidance.
What is dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia can be recognised by persistent difficulties with mathematical skills and number-related tasks, despite having average or above-average intelligence. Dyscalculia goes beyond occasional maths struggles and is considered a specific learning difficulty (SpLD).
Common symptoms of dyscalculia
Recognising the symptoms of dyscalculia are necessary for early diagnosis and effective intervention. Symptoms and symptom severity can vary from person to person, but they often include:
- Difficulty with basic arithmetic: Dyscalculic people may have difficulty with basic arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
- Number recognition challenges: Difficulty recognising and telling the difference between numbers, especially when they are presented in different fonts or styles.
- Poor number sense: Difficulty understanding the magnitude of numbers, making it harder to grasp concepts like ‘greater than’ or ‘less than’.
- Difficulty with counting: Problems with counting objects, skipping numbers or losing track when counting.
- Difficulty with number facts: Trouble memorising multiplication tables, number sequences and basic maths facts.
- Poor mental maths skills: Difficulty performing mental calculations or estimating quantities.
- Spatial and temporal challenges: Finding it difficult to grasp concepts related to space and time, like reading analog clocks, understanding maps, and comprehending mathematical symbols.
- Word problems: Trouble understanding and solving word problems, often misinterpreting the language used.
- Difficulty with maths symbols: Problems understanding mathematical symbols and operations, like +, -, ×, ÷, =, and <.
- Difficulty with money handling: Challenges in handling money, working out change and budgeting.
- Inconsistent performance: Inconsistent maths performance, with occasional successes but persistent difficulties overall.
- Maths anxiety: Developing maths-related anxiety and a negative attitude towards maths because of ongoing issues.
The importance of early recognition
Recognising the symptoms of dyscalculia in children means earlier intervention and support. When dyscalculia is identified early, dyscalculic people can get specialised support to develop essential maths skills and strategies to cope with maths-related challenges. This early intervention can make a significant difference in a child’s confidence and overall academic performance.
Aim Forward: Supporting dyscalculic people
Aim Forward specialises in comprehensive assessments and support for individuals with various specific learning difficulties (SpLDs), including dyscalculia. Here’s how Aim Forward could help you:
- Personalised recommendations: With a needs assessment, Aim Forward can provide personalised strategies and assistive technology recommendations to help dyscalculic people develop their maths skills and build confidence.
- Access to coaching: Aim Forward can support dyscalculic individuals through 1:1 coaching to help embed their new strategies and recommendations in everyday life.
Recognising and addressing dyscalculia helps dyscalculic people overcome their number-related challenges and succeed in work, education and day-to-day life. Aim Forward is committed to helping dyscalculic people on their journey to achieving maths proficiency and building a positive attitude toward maths.