Struggle With Solving Easy Sums? You Might Have 'Math Dyslexia', aka Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia, or ‘math dyslexia’ as it is informally called, refers to a wide range of difficulties with calculations and it goes much beyond it. In this condition, it’s difficult to grasp even the simple rules of mathematics, including whether one amount is bigger than another or how basic algebra works.

A research from PubMed Central found that 3-7% of all kids, teens and adults suffer from dyscalculia. But the signs often go unnoticed, because it is assumed that the person is just “not smart” or they are “bad at maths”.

What Is ‘Math Dyslexia’

Dyscalculia is a learning disorder that affects arithmetic skills. People who suffer from this learning disability have trouble understanding mathematical concepts. People who have dyscalculia cannot properly interpret numerical data and face challenges in using mathematical concepts to solve problems.

Living With ‘Math Dyslexia’

Those with ‘math dyslexia’ find even simple sums hard to solve. Unlike most, they take time to process numbers naturally.

• They have difficulty in understanding or remembering mathematical concepts like multiplication, division, fractions, carrying, and borrowing.
• They have to struggle in reconciling verbal or written cues like the word “two” and their mathematical symbols and signifiers.
• It also becomes a task to count numbers backwards and forwards.
• It’s difficult to be on time, navigate directions, negotiate finances, etc.
• They may get frustrated while playing board games.

Identification

Dyscalculia or ‘math dyslexia’ rarely get identified early because when as a child they find difficulties in doing simple calculations, they are often dismissed as stupid. But it tends to become more apparent as the child gets older. Studies have been conducted to try and identify predictors of potential mathematical disability early on, according to the Dyslexia-SPELD Foundation. The main predictors are:

• Not knowing which of two digits is larger, i.e. understanding the magnitude and relationship of numbers
• Lacking efficient counting techniques
• Poor fluency in the identification of numbers
• Inability to add simple single-digits mentally
• Limitations in working memory capacity

Causes

The exact cause of dyscalculia is still unknown but there have been several studies that point to certain theories. According to one research, dyscalculia is the result of a lack of concrete early instruction in mathematics. Another research believes it is related to genetics.

Treatment

Dyscalculia or ‘math dyslexia’ does not have any known cure, but there are ways to help people with this problem succeed, especially for kids.

For adults, dyscalculia treatment can be challenging but healthcare professionals can help them with exercises and educational material that can strengthen neural pathways used for mathematics.

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