What is dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia is a type of learning disability that can make it difficult for someone to understand and work with numbers. Dyscalculia isn’t as well-known as dyslexia, but it is believed to be just as common, affecting around 6 in every 100 people. Here, I discuss the signs of dyscalculia, how it’s diagnosed, and ways you can manage it.
What are the signs of dyscalculia?
Learning difficulties in maths are common, affecting around a quarter of the population. But not everyone who struggles with maths has dyscalculia. Dyscalculia is a specific and long-lasting difficulty.
Signs of dyscalculia may include difficulties with:
- understanding quantities, such as bigger vs smaller
- remembering number facts, such as times tables
- estimating measurements or money
- judging time, speed or distance
- planning travel or being on time
- counting or holding numbers in their head
- understanding the logic behind maths
Someone with dyscalculia might struggle to grasp mathematical rules or concepts. They may be able to perform a number task through ‘rote learning’ (memorising something after repeating it several times). But they are often unable to explain what they’re doing or why.
If you notice any signs of dyscalculia in your child, it’s important to get them assessed so they can receive the support they need.
How is dyscalculia assessed?
Dyscalculia can affect individuals throughout their childhood and adulthood. You can get diagnosed at any age. But an earlier diagnosis can help you learn ways to manage your learning difficulty sooner.
If a child is showing signs of maths difficulties, they can receive an informal assessment to find out where they’re struggling the most. This is often done in schools by someone with experience in learning disabilities. If dyscalculia is suspected, the school might refer the child for formal assessment. This will be done by a psychologist or other qualified professional, so they can receive a diagnosis.
The assessment for dyscalculia in adults is slightly different to the one for children. If you’re an adult and think you might have dyscalculia, it’s important to get assessed by a professional. A diagnosis can sound scary, but it’s there to help you get the support you might need.
Is dyscalculia a form of dyslexia?
Dyslexia and dyscalculia are different learning disabilities.
Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that can affect someone’s ability to read, write and spell. It can also impact maths skills. But it’s not the same as dyscalculia. It’s possible to have both conditions. These would need to be assessed and diagnosed separately.
How can you support a child with dyscalculia?
If a child has dyscalculia, they’ll need some extra support in school and at home when working with numbers.
The British Dyslexia Association runs training sessions for teachers and support staff, to help educate them on how best to support children with dyscalculia. These sessions can be in person or online. Information can also be given to parents on how to support their child with maths homework. The following things might help a child with dyscalculia.
A tutor or learning assistant
Your child may benefit from one-to-one tutoring from a maths professional. Make sure to choose someone with the right experience, who can be patient and offer new ways to approach maths.
You could also consider arranging for your child to have a learning assistant in maths class. Having someone who can explain things further and answer questions can make a big difference.
The right maths equipment
Having access to the right tools and technology can help with maths learning. These may include:
- a calculator they know how to use
- pencils and an eraser for any mistakes
- graph paper with columns
- maths apps and games to help with learning
Extra time in tests
A child with dyscalculia may need some extra time to process maths problems and work things out. They could be entitled to extra time in maths exams.
Psychological support
Many children who struggle with maths will experience maths anxiety. This happens when a child becomes worried and anxious about doing maths-related tasks. Maths anxiety can often take over and make it hard to concentrate, which can affect learning further.
Maths anxiety can be managed by learning strategies to deal with anxiety. You may want to work with a psychological professional to help with this. Boosting your child’s self-esteem in maths can also help reduce anxiety. Work with your child to figure out what they struggle with and how best to help them. It’s important to acknowledge their strengths and let them know that their learning difficulty is nothing to be ashamed of.
Having a learning disability like dyscalculia can be challenging. But learning the right strategies can help to manage it and improve maths ability. You can still receive support later in life, such as accommodations in the workplace.
We now offer GP appointments for children under 18. Find out more about our Under 18 GP Service, call us on 0330 822 3072.
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Sources Sources
- Dyscalculia. British Dyslexia Association. Bdadyslexia.org.uk, accessed 20 May 2025
- What is dyscalculia? Understood. Understood.org, accessed 20 May 2025
- The difference between dyslexia and dyscalculia. Understood. Understood.org, accessed 20 May 2025
- How to help kids with dyscalculia. Child Mind Institute. Childmind.org, reviewed January 2025
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