Math can be a difficult subject for many students. For some, these difficulties may stem from a learning disability called dyscalculia. According to the Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development, up to 10 percent of students are classified as having a mathematical learning disability. The inability to perform math questions can lead to many negative effects throughout life. Many colleges and universities require math classes, and if your child cannot learn math, he may be inclined to drop out of school or not attend college.
Effects
Dyscalculia does not have one simple effect, it can be a variety of problems that cause your child to have mathematical difficulties. Dyscalculia.org explains that some forms of dyscalculia will cause difficulties in counting and calculating, while other forms can cause the inability to understand and use symbols in math equations. Regardless of the type of dyscalculia, the learning disability can be frustrating for everyone involved.
Signs
If your child can read, write and speak well, but have difficulties counting or understanding math, they may have dyscalculia. She may have trouble with time, including the length of time something may take. If this is the case, you should have her evaluated further to see if any learning disabilities are present. Other signs of dyscalculia in children include the child's difficulty in playing games, especially if numbers are used.
Misconceptions
A common misconception is that children who experience dyscalculia may be slow or mentally challenged. According to the Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development, dyscalculia is not related to intelligence, and in fact, many children who have dyscalculia are very intellectual in other learning areas. It is believed that dyscalculia occurs or is inherited during the prenatal development of a child, so economic factors are also not believed to effect children's development of a mathematical learning disability.
Diagnosis
To diagnose a child with a mathematical learning disability, a qualified professional must examine the student and test their cognitive abilities in regards to math. If your child is thought to have dyscalculia, he will be assessed on his ability to count, organize, use money, estimate numbers and other mathematical situations. If your child is diagnosed with dyscalculia, plans can be made to help him.
Treatment
There is no cure for dyscalculia, but there are methods used to treat children with this learning disability. Taking an active approach to the child and knowing how he learns, as well as his strengths and weaknesses, will allow a plan to engage the child and create better understanding. Once you know where the child is experiencing his problems, you can isolate that specific cause and promote active learning inside and outside the classroom.
References
- Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development: Dyscalculia at an Early Age: Characteristics and Potential Influence on Socio-Emotional Development
- Dyscalculia.org: Developmental Perspectives on Dyscalculia
- Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development: Early Predictors of Mathematics Achievement and Mathematics Learning Difficulties
- LD Online: Dyscalculia
