Foundations of Learning >> Dyscalculia
Understanding Dyscalculia:
A Parent’s Guide to Math Struggles
Does your child get frustrated with math homework? Do they struggle to understand basic number concepts despite being bright in other subjects? Your child might be dealing with dyscalculia – a learning difference that affects how the brain processes numbers and math concepts.
This guide will help you understand what dyscalculia is, how to recognize it, and most importantly, how to support your child’s learning journey.
Dyscalculia is a specific learning disability that affects math. It is often called “math dyslexia”. It is similar to dyslexia but is less well known and, therefore, diagnosed less often.
Dyscalculia does not affect general intelligence. Children can be brilliant in other areas yet struggle with math. This often makes it perplexing for parents. They recognize the intelligence in their children yet don’t understand why their child struggles in math. It can frequently be misinterpreted as laziness.
What is Dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia is a learning difference that affects 3-7% of children. It’s not about intelligence or effort but how the brain processes mathematical information.
Think of it this way: just as dyslexia affects reading, dyscalculia affects math understanding. Children with dyscalculia often have normal or above-average intelligence but struggle specifically with numbers and mathematical concepts.
“Children with dyscalculia aren’t less intelligent or less capable—they simply process mathematical information differently.”
Signs Your Child Might Have Dyscalculia
Children with dyscalculia often:
- Have trouble connecting numbers to the quantities they represent (understanding that “5” means five objects)
- Struggle with basic counting and comparing amounts
- Find it hard to understand place value (tens, hundreds, etc.)
- Have difficulty memorizing math facts like multiplication tables
- Continue counting on fingers long after peers have moved to mental math
- Show high anxiety when faced with math tasks
- Have trouble telling time or understanding the concept of time
- Struggle with spatial orientation and directions
The Building Blocks of Math Understanding
Mathematical thinking relies on five core skills that develop naturally in most children but may need extra support in children with dyscalculia:
1. Number Sense
This is our intuitive understanding of quantities and number relationships – like knowing that 7 is more than 5 without counting.
Learn More About Number Sense Here.
Parent Tip: Build number sense through everyday activities: count objects around the house, compare quantities (“Do you have more blocks or cars?”), and play games involving numbers.
2. Pattern Recognition
The ability to spot regularities and relationships in numbers – the foundation for more advanced math.
Learn More About Pattern Recognition Here.
Parent Tip: Point out patterns in daily life – in nature, music, daily routines, and simple number sequences. Ask your child to predict “what comes next.”
3. Logical Reasoning
Making connections and drawing conclusions about mathematical relationships – like knowing which operation to use in a word problem.
Learn More About Logical Reasoning Here.
Parent Tip: Encourage your child to explain their thinking. Play games that develop logical thinking, such as checkers, Connect Four, or age-appropriate logic puzzles.
4. Spatial Reasoning
The ability to visualize and manipulate objects in space – crucial for geometry, measurement, and fractions.
Learn More About Spatial Reasoning Here.
Parent Tip: Engage in activities that develop spatial skills: building with blocks, solving puzzles, folding origami, or playing sports that involve spatial awareness.
5. Problem-Solving
Integrating all these skills to approach and solve mathematical challenges.
Learn More About Problem-Solving Here.
Parent Tip: Break problems into smaller steps. Celebrate the process rather than just getting the correct answer. Encourage trying different approaches to solve the same problem.
The Surprising Body-Math Connection
One of the most overlooked aspects of math development is its connection to body awareness (proprioception). Children with better body awareness and coordination often have stronger math skills.
Parent Tip: Physical activities like martial arts, dance, yoga, and obstacle courses don’t just build physical skills – they’re actually developing parts of the brain that support mathematical thinking!
How to Support Your Child
1. Use Multiple Senses for Learning
Help your child engage with math using different senses:
- Use objects they can touch and move (blocks, counters, coins)
- Incorporate movement into math activities (jumping while counting)
- Draw pictures to represent math problems
- Talk through problems out loud
2. Build a Growth Mindset
Help your child understand that math ability can grow with practice. Avoid saying things like “I was never good at math either” or “This is just too hard.” Instead, emphasize that struggling means their brain is growing!
Learn More About Growth Mindset in our Free Growth Mindset Course
3. Make Math Meaningful
Connect math to real life through:
- Cooking (measuring ingredients, halving or doubling recipes)
- Shopping (comparing prices, calculating discounts)
- Games (board games with counting, card games)
- Sports (keeping score, calculating stats)
4. Use Helpful Technology
Some apps and tools are specifically designed to help kids with dyscalculia. Look for ones that:
- Provide visual models
- Give immediate feedback
- Break concepts into smaller steps
- Make learning feel like play
Key Takeaways:
1. Dyscalculia affects 3-7% of children and is about brain wiring, not intelligence or effort.
2. Early identification and support make a big difference in outcomes.
3. Building core cognitive skills through everyday activities and play can strengthen math abilities.
4. Physical activities that develop body awareness can help with math skills.
5. With the right support, children with dyscalculia can develop the math skills they need for success.
Remember: Your child’s worth is not measured by numbers. With your support and the right strategies, they can develop the mathematical understanding they need for a successful, confident future.
DSM-5 Definition
In the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) the use of the word dyscalculia is no longer reccomended
The DSM-5 now reccomends use of the phrase “Specific Learning Disability” to replace the previously used dyslexia (reading),dyscalculia (math), and dysgraphia (writing). The definition as given by the current version of the DSM-5 is:
A neurodevelopmental disorder of biological origin manifested in learning difficults and problems in acquiring academic skills markedly below age level and manifested in the early school years, lasting for at least 6 months; not attributed to intellectual disabilities, developmental disorders, or neurological or motor disorders
This definition is to then be used with clarifiers to define whether the condition affects reading, writing, or math.
Department Of Educations Skill (UK) defines it as such
Dyscalculia is a condition that affects the ability to acquire arithmetical skills. Dyscalculic learners may have difficulty understanding simple number concepts, lack an intuitive grasp of numbers, and have problems learning number facts and procedures. Even if they produce a correct answer or use a correct method, they may do so mechanically and without confidence
Definitions have purposes for clinicians and bureacracies but if you are a parent who just want to help their child this all may be quite useless unless you are seeking an official diagnosis. If you are just looking for information on how to figure out what is going on and how to help your child you might consider our dyscalculia screener. It will send you a detailed report with actionable answers.