Dyscalculia in Children

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.

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What is dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia, or mathematics disorder, is a learning disability that causes problems with math. A learning disability means your child has trouble with an academic skill even though tests show he or she is intelligent.

What causes dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia can be genetic (passed from a parent to the child). It can also develop later because of any of the following:

Memory problems may prevent him or her from learning the steps needed to solve a math problem. Memory problems can also make your child forget information he or she learned.
A brain injury may affect the part of your child's brain that processes math.
Dyslexia can cause problems solving math word problems. Dyslexia is a learning disability that causes problems with reading.
Spatial problems may prevent your child from recognizing shapes and sizes. Spatial is a word that refers to an object's location. For example, the hands on a clock are objects that move. Your child may have trouble knowing how the location of the hands show time.

What are the signs and symptoms of dyscalculia?

Not being able to recognize printed numbers, or trouble imagining a number line
Trouble learning to count, or only counting on his or her fingers
Not understanding that a number represents quantity
Anxiety about working on math problems or going to math class
Trouble adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing single digit numbers
Trouble telling time or using money
Not knowing which steps to follow to solve a math problem
No long-term memory of math skills, such as trouble memorizing multiplication tables
Problems with shapes, such as being able to put a round object into a round hole

How is dyscalculia diagnosed?

Your child's teachers may suspect your child has dyscalculia from his or her homework and test scores. Healthcare providers will test your child's ability to do math on paper. For example, your child may be shown 2 numbers, such as 3 and 6, and will be asked which is bigger. The number 3 may be printed in a larger font on the page, and your child may think 3 is bigger than 6. He or she may also be asked which number is taller on the paper. Children with dyscalculia may not be able to tell which number is taller. Your child may be shown several dots and be asked to count them as quickly as possible. Your child's answers on the tests will be compared to what is expected for children his or her age.

How is dyscalculia managed?

Learning specialists such as tutors can teach your child in a way that makes sense to him or her. Children with dyscalculia often need to be taught in a way that uses many senses. For example, your child may need to have math problems read to him or her so he or she can hear the numbers. He or she may need to write the problem, or to use a different color for each part of the problem.
An individualized education program (IEP) may be used through high school graduation. The IEP identifies your child's learning needs and helps his or her teachers understand how to help your child learn. The IEP may help your child build skills he or she will need after high school. Your child may be able to use other accommodations in college to help him or her continue to succeed. Examples include use of a calculator or tests that are not timed.

What can I do to help support my child?

Always encourage your child. Praise your child for trying to complete his or her math homework. Your child may become frustrated if he or she has many problems to solve. Math may be tiring for your child, and he or she may lose focus quickly. Encourage him or her to take short breaks but always come back to the homework and finish. Do not tell your child math is easy or that it should not take so long to finish. These types of comments may make your child feel anxious or ashamed about having trouble.
Go through homework problems with your child. Have your child tell you the process he or she used to solve the problems. Give your child positive feedback on his or her thought process, even if the answer is wrong. Show your child where he or she made a mistake that led to the wrong answer. Let your child correct the problem. You may feel frustrated if your child gets the wrong answer a few times in a row. Stay positive and give your child another chance to correct the problem. With practice, your child may learn to find the mistake himself or herself and correct it without help.
Focus on your child's strengths. Your child may feel his or her problems with math mean he or she is not good at anything. Help your child understand that math is only one of many skills a person can have. Let your child tell you about his or her interests, and help your child build confidence in his or her abilities. He or she may also be more willing to work on his or her math skills if he or she feels confident about other skills.
Do not focus on grades. Your child's anxiety may increase if he or she feels pressure to get a good grade. Praise improvement, such as an improved test score or more points for completed homework. It is okay to praise a good grade on an assignment or test, but do not make grades the goal.
Practice math skills outside of school. For example, when you see a clock, ask your child what time it is. When you pay for items in a store, show your child how to give the right amount of money and count change. Have your child count flowers you pass as you walk along the street. Ask how many animals he or she sees in a field.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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