Math/Dyscalculia

"Dyscalculia is a learning issue that causes serious math difficulties. It isn’t as well-known as dyslexia. However, some researchers now think it may be almost as common."

- Amanda Morin, Understood.org

What is Dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia is defined as a brain-based condition that makes it hard to make sense of numbers and math concepts.Dycalculia can also be referred to as math dylexia. Children with this disorder have to work very hard to learn and memorize basic number facts.

The situation that occurs from this disorder is kids missing the logic behind the math they're doing. Thus, they may know what to do in math class but they don't understand why they're doing it. The situation can be reversed. Kids may understand the logic behind the math but aren't sure how and when to apply their knowledge to solving problems.

What causes Dyscalculia?

Genes and hereditary: studies have shown dyscalculia is more common in some families. They’ve seen repetitive cases where a child with dyscalculia has either a parent or sibling with similar math issues.
Brain development: Researchers are using modern brain imaging tools to study the brains of people with and without math issues. What we learn from this research will help us understand how to help kids with dyscalculia. The study also found differences in the surface area, thickness and volume of parts of the brain. Those areas are linked to learning and memory, setting up and monitoring tasks and remembering math facts.
Environment: dyscalculia can be linked to exposure to alcohol in the womb. It can also be linked with prematurity and low birth weight.
Brain Injury: Studies show that injury to certain parts of the brain can result in what researchers call “acquired dyscalculia.”

Learn more about:

Diagnosis: essential for determining where the breakdowns are occuring
Interventions: learning disorders CAN be overcome!