Why is Math So Hard?
Much has been written by me and other professionals on dyslexia and dysgraphia, two of the more widely understood learning disorders that impact one’s ability to read and write. But what if you or your child struggles with math? Is there a condition that explains these difficulties? The answer to this question might be “yes.” Let’s take a closer look at the third type of learning disorder: dyscalculia.
What is Dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia is a cognitive disorder that specifically affects numerical processing and mathematical reasoning. It is similar to dyslexia, which impacts language processing, but in this case, the impairment is centered around numbers. Dyscalculia can make even basic arithmetic, counting, and spatial awareness difficult, as well as hinder everyday tasks like managing time, measuring, and organizing.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is the most widely-used manual when considering diagnoses, defines dyscalculia as a Specific Learning Disorder, with impairment in mathematics. Specifically, as noted in the DSM-5, dyscalculia involves:
“a pattern of difficulties characterized by problems processing numerical information, learning arithmetic facts, and performing accurate or fluent calculations.”
Signs and Symptoms of Dyscalculia
The signs of dyscalculia vary across age groups and individuals. However, some common indicators can help in identifying the condition, especially in children. Recognizing these symptoms early is key to providing appropriate support and intervention.
Early Childhood
Difficulty learning to count: Children with dyscalculia often struggle to learn counting, sometimes skipping numbers or counting objects inconsistently.
Slow to learn basic number facts: Things like understanding numbers as symbols (e.g., understanding "5" represents "five") can be especially challenging.
Issues with patterns and sequences: Children with dyscalculia may struggle with simple pattern recognition (e.g., knowing that 2, 4, 6 represents an increase by 2).
Elementary School
Problems with basic arithmetic: Children with dyscalculia may struggle with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as well as with recalling basic math facts.
Difficulty telling time: Reading both digital and analog clocks can be challenging, as these require a degree of numerical and spatial reasoning.
Struggles with mental math: Simple calculations or quick math-based decisions can take longer than for their peers.
Challenges understanding math symbols and terminology: Understanding terms like “greater than” or “less than,” as well as symbols like “+” and “-,” may be hard.
Middle and High School
Difficulty with abstract math concepts: Algebra, geometry, and trigonometry can pose significant challenges for those with dyscalculia, as they require abstract reasoning skills that may be impaired.
Poor spatial reasoning: Dyscalculia is often linked with spatial difficulties, making it hard to estimate distances or visualize shapes.
Anxiety or avoidance around math-related activities: Many dyscalculics develop math anxiety due to repeated struggles and feelings of inadequacy.
Problems with budgeting and handling money: Dyscalculia can make it difficult to calculate change, manage finances, or understand financial planning.
Adults
Difficulty with estimation and approximation: Adults with dyscalculia may struggle with estimating sizes, distances, or time.
Trouble with directions and orientation: They may struggle to navigate or understand maps, especially those involving numbers (like street numbers or coordinates).
Challenges in career tasks: Some professions require numerical accuracy, quick mental math, or budgeting, which can pose significant challenges for those with dyscalculia.
How is Dyscalculia Diagnosed?
As with both dyslexia and dysgraphia, dyscalculia is diagnosed as either mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the how it impacts one’s functioning. Additionally, in order to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of dyscalculia, a few qualifiers must exist:
Math difficulties must exist for at least the past 6 months.
Math skills are significantly lower-than-expected given the individuals age.
Math difficulties significantly interfere with academic or occupational performance.
Math difficulties must have been present during school-aged years.
Math difficulties are not better accounted for by another underlying condition.
Diagnosing dyscalculia can be complex, as its symptoms often overlap with other learning disabilities. The diagnosis process typically involves an in-depth evaluation that includes cognitive and educational assessments. These assessments are often administered by neuropsychologists or educational psychologists and may include:
Mathematics Achievement Tests: These tests assess the individual's proficiency in various mathematical concepts and problem-solving.
Cognitive Assessments: IQ tests and other cognitive evaluations measure underlying skills like memory, visual-spatial ability, and processing speed.
Observation and Interviews: Input from teachers, parents, and the individual can provide insights into specific struggles and behaviors associated with math tasks.
Developmental History: Examining the individual’s developmental background, including any delays in learning or speech, can help form a clearer diagnosis.
Support for Students with Dyscalculia
Fortunately there is support for individuals diagnosed with dyscalculia, including:
Assistive Technology – calculators and math apps
Manipulatives – counters, block, and beads to help with basic calculations
Tutoring – working with a tutor who can explain concepts in multiple ways
Additionally, students diagnosed with dyscalculia will likely qualify for academic accommodations at school and on standardized tests. Academic accommodations are designed to level the playing field for students diagnosed with dyscalculia and allow them to minimize the effects of their learning disorder. Specific accommodations may include extended time on tests, the ability to use a calculator for math tasks, oral administration of math tests, explanation of math concepts in alternative formats, and the use of a math “cheat sheet.” Students should consult their school counselor to determine what accommodations are available.
If you or your child experiences significant difficulty in math, then you may consider a consultation for possible evaluation. Identifying the source of the difficulty is the first step in overcoming it.