Children with Dyscalculia: Challenges, Diagnosis, and Support
Dyscalculia is a learning disability which causes a child to struggle with understanding and working with numbers. Dyscalculia can be a significant challenge, affecting the child’s academic performance. Children with dyscalculia may struggle with basic number concepts and understanding mathematical symbols. Dyscalculia is not simply a matter of not being able to count, it is a neurological disorder that impairs a child’s ability to process numerical information.
Some of the signs of dyscalculia include difficulty with math symbols such as not being able to differentiate between different symbols (+, -, ×, ÷, or =), difficulty understanding units of measurement and converting between them can be problematic, difficulty memorising math facts, difficulty in differentiating left from right or struggle with concepts of time, and struggle with basic maths problems despite extensive practice.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing dyscalculia involves an assessment by a qualified professional, such as a clinical psychologist or educational psychologist. The evaluation includes interviews, standardised tests, and observations of the child’s mathematical abilities and cognitive processes. The frustration and anxiety associated with math difficulties can lead to avoidance of math-related tasks and can ultimately lead to a low self-esteem. A child diagnosed with dyscalculia is likely to fall behind in the classroom and perform poorly in assessments. This may lead to grade retention, or the school will advise that the child be moved to a remedial school.
Support and Intervention for Children with Dyscalculia
Unfortunately, there is no cure for dyscalculia at present. However, with appropriate support and intervention strategies, there can be a significant difference in the child’s academic progress. These are some of the strategies recommended by qualified professionals:
- Specialized instruction: A one-on-one approach which focuses on addressing the child’s specific needs. This might include multisensory math approaches and alternative teaching methods.
- Building Math Confidence: Encourage the child to engage, despite finding it difficult, by highlighting the child’s success in areas outside of mathematics.
- Assistive Technology: Utilize technology, such as math software and calculators, to assist with calculations and help children with dyscalculia work more independently.
At Catch Up Kids, we provide tutoring to help your child overcome the hurdles that they’re faced with. Our expert tutors are equipped to assist children with learning difficulties. We will design an individualised education programme to help your child cope in the classroom. Our programmes are tailored to your child’s specific need. A case manager and a team of our expert tutors will be assigned to work with your child to achieve great results.
Dyscalculia is a challenging condition that affects a child’s mathematical abilities and can have long-term consequences if not addressed. Early diagnosis, understanding, and the implementation of appropriate support and intervention strategies can help children with dyscalculia thrive academically. By recognising and addressing the unique needs of these children, we can empower them to reach their full potential. To help your child overcome the challenges presented by dyscalculia – contact Catch Up Kids today!
