Dyscalculia

EEC 424
Dr. Piowlski Cummins, Kali J., Malecha, Kayla M.,
October 3, 2017 Marquardt, Anna E.

Dyscalculia is a life-long learning disability that affects an individuals

Definition
ability to learn mathematical skills and concepts.
A disorder in
learning Characteristics
mathematics skills A student with dyscalculia can have trouble with learning basic math facts such as
counting, adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. The student may also have
and concepts. trouble recognizing what number symbols look like at mean. For example, it is difficult
to associate 9 with the number nine. Students may also struggle with identifying
(Bryant, D., Bryant, B., mathematical signs such as =, +, -. A student who has Dyscalculia may also have trouble
Smith, D., 2017) identifying and understanding mathematic vocabulary. (Understood.org)

Meet Savannah, a current college student with dyscalculia. She was identified
with dyscalculia in middle school. In the video, Savannah explains how her
disability made it hard for her to do everyday tasks.
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Causes
Misconceptions
There are three possible causes of Dyscalculia in individuals. The three causes include
genes, brain development, and brain injury. Dyscalculia can be in ones genes as it is
1. All children with passed down from generation to generation. Dyscalculia can be hereditary. Brain
dyscalculia have the same development is also another probable cause for Dyscalculia. The brain can have an
difficulties with math. abnormal surface area, thickness or volume to certain parts of the brain that can cause
Fact: Dyscalculia is a broad the presence of Dyscalculia. Brain injury can also be a cause of Dyscalculia. An injury to
term that encompasses
certain parts of the brain can result in what is called acquired dyscalculia. Researchers
the phrase "difficulties
with math". One child's are trying to learn if interventions can rewrite the brain to make math easier for these
struggles may be different students. (Understood.org)
than another child's
struggles. Range of Severity?
Dyscalculia affects a large range of an individuals math abilities. On one end of the
2. Dyscalculia is another
spectrum, students may have difficulties learning how to count. Students may also
name for math anxiety.
Fact: It is common for experience a poor concept of time, direction, memorization. On the more severe end of
all children to struggle the spectrum an individual may experience difficulty developing math problem-solving
with math. Students who skills, trouble connecting numbers to their real-life application, and an overall number
have Dyscalculia also sense. (allaboutdycalculia.weebly.com)
struggle but there is a
more concrete reason
why. Prevalence/Statistics
Approximately 7% of all students are affected by dyscalculia. Ongoing research shows
3. Dyscalculia isn't very that 50% of students with dyscalculia also have dyslexia and 20% of students with
common
dyscalculia are affected by ADHD as well.
Fact: Dyscalculia hasn't
been studied as much as
other conditions such as What does it feel like to have dyscalculia?
dyslexia. This does not
Find out here!
mean it is uncommon
though. Researchers are
beginning to think
dyscalculia may be about
as common as dyslexia.

(Understood.org)

___________________

https://www.understood.org/en/tools/through-your-childs-eyes/player?simq=d7e339d7-
7c55-4fd0-bef6-94b1a640d9dc&standalone=true&simulation=true
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Resources for Parents:

About Dyscalculia - http://aboutdyscalculia.org/parents.html
o Does your child have persistent difficulties relating to math? About Dyscalculia provides
parents with a definition of what dyscalculia is, what can be done to help the struggling
student, how dyscalculia can be communicated to teachers, and how dyscalculia will affect
children as they grow.
Dyscalculia: A Parents Guide to Understanding Dyscalculia in Children and How to Help a
Dyscalculic Child by Cassandra Simmons
o If your child has recently been diagnosed with dyscalculia and you want to learn how you can
better help them, check out this book. Cassandra Simmons presents why dyscalculia occurs and
how you can help your child to become more comfortable and confident in their mathematical
skills.
Dyscalculia: An Essential Guide for Parents by Stephanie Glen
o Author, Stephanie Glen, provides an informative guide for the causes of dyscalculia, how it can
be diagnosed, what to expect in school, and tips for parents to help their child.
All About Dyscalculia - http://allaboutdyscalculia.weebly.com/for-parents.html
o What are the warning signs of dyscalculia? What are my childs rights who are affected by
dyscalculia? What are my rights as a parent? All About Dyscalculia can provide you with these
answers and additional links that may help you and your child combat some of the stress
associated with dyscalculia.
How to Teach a Child with Dyscalculia - https://www.buzzle.com/articles/how-to-teach-a-child-
with-dyscalculia.html
o At this point you may know that your child has dyscalculia but you may be thinking, What can I
do now? Buzzle.com presents strategies, activities, and parent interventions that can help
relieve some of the stress you and your child may be feeling.

Interventions and Accommodations

(Sources: allaboutdyscalculia.com; aboutdyscalculia.org; ldonline.org; washington.edu)
Reading
o The student may read aloud the problem to help visualize.
Math
o Use real-life examples and distinctive solutions.
Writing
o Allow the student to write math problems on graph paper so they may write on a straight line.
Self-Regulation
o The student can track their progress to see how they are doing.
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Organizational
o The teacher may supply uncluttered, neat and clean worksheets, and small/ manageable
amounts of work for the student to complete.
Physical
o The student may use hands-on manipulatives to make connections or use a calculator to type
the problem into so they do not have to struggle through the thinking process.
Visual
o The student may use technology to assist them in working through and solving the problem.
The teacher may also provide visual examples for the student to look at.
Auditory
o The teacher can read aloud the examples to the student.
Sensory
o The teacher may provide a place for the student to work with few distractions.
Calming
o The teacher must respect the student and the hard work they put into understanding what they
are working on. The teacher should also make math a fun experience for the student.
Assessments
o The student may be allowed extra time for solving math problems, quizzes or tests.