Dyscalculia

Of course, all parents want their children to have an advanced level of academic achievement, and they make many efforts to help them study, or provide a private tutor; despite this, there are some students whose level of achievement remains a problem.

If you are keen for your children’s academic achievement to go well, you must first ensure, at an early age, that your child does not face any learning difficulties that hinder his academic achievement.

Have you heard of the difficulty of learning arithmetic?

Parents, mothers, and even many teachers often think that poor academic achievement in arithmetic or mathematics is simply a result of the child’s low level, while this problem often indicates that the child or adult is suffering from a learning disability.

What is Dyscalculia ?

Dyscalculia, also known scientifically as dyscalculia , has different definitions and varies widely, as there is no single officially approved definition. However, it is a term that refers to a learning disability in which a child is unable to understand and deal with numbers, such as not distinguishing between the larger number and the smaller number, or counting up and down.

Other names for dyscalculia :

Some people call it mathematical dyslexia, numerical dyslexia, math learning disability , arithmetic difficulty, or math-specific learning disability. However, the term dyscalculia is more common and is used more by teachers and therapists.

How likely is it that your child has dyscalculia ?

Dyscalculia affects 5 to 10% of people worldwide.

Is dyscalculia more common among girls or boys?

Dyscalculia is equally prevalent between the sexes.

How does dyscalculia affect children?

Dyscalculia causes children to :

• They find it very difficult to learn basic arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication tables, etc.
• The child is unable to understand the concepts behind word problems, and other non-numerical math calculations, such as geometric shapes and graphs.
• They have difficulty estimating how long a math problem might take.
• They work hard on homework and tests in math.
• They have difficulty maintaining grade level in mathematics.
• They work hard to process visual-spatial ideas such as graphs and charts.

Dyscalculia does not only affect school education; the disorder can also affect children outside of school.

• Has trouble remembering numbers such as zip codes, phone numbers, or game scores.
• They have difficulty handling money, such as exchanging change, freezing, counting bills, calculating tips, splitting a check, or estimating the cost of something.
• They have difficulty judging the length of distances, and how long it will take to get from one location to another.
• Difficulty remembering directions.
• They have difficulty distinguishing left from right.
• They get easily frustrated with games that require constant memorization of scores, number strategies, or counting.
• They have difficulty reading clocks and telling the time.
• A noticeable gap between them and their peers in academic level.
• The biggest sign of a specific learning disorder is a marked discrepancy between ability and aptitude. For example, a child with dyscalculia may do well in other subjects, such as English or history, but have very low grades in arithmetic and mathematics classes.

What are the types of dyscalculia ?

• Dyscalculia : A condition in which a child cannot recognize a number when someone speaks it, while he can recognize it in writing and reading.
• Dyscalculia: the inability to solve mathematical problems if the numbers are accompanied by symbols, or the inability to solve complex mathematical operations.
• Cognitive dyscalculia: This is the inability to understand the meanings of numbers and remember the mathematical operations associated with them, such as multiplication or division.

Is a child's weakness in arithmetic and mathematics necessarily due to dyscalculia ?

Not all problems a child has with math, arithmetic, or advanced math are due to dyscalculia. Some are due to a visual or auditory problem, or another learning disability such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or dyslexia.

What are the early symptoms of dyscalculia ?

• Having difficulty recognizing numbers.
• She is late in learning to count.
• Difficulty associating numerical symbols (5) with their corresponding words (five).
• Having difficulty recognizing patterns and arranging things.
• Lost track when counting.
• The need to use visual aids such as fingers or objects to help with counting.

How is dyscalculia diagnosed ?

First, you must visit a doctor to examine the child’s hearing, vision, and peripheral health, and all the organs responsible for the learning process in general. You must monitor the child’s level of progress in academic achievement compared to his peers and talk to his teacher.

You should show him to a specialist to make sure there are no learning difficulties , or to diagnose them if they exist.

Important notes about the difficulty of dyscalculia .

Symptoms of dyscalculia vary from one case to another depending on the age group. In advanced stages, there is a problem in knowing directions, difficulty shopping, or determining food quantities in adults.

Dyscalculia is a disorder that involves the ability to understand numbers or mathematical operations.

Causes of dyscalculia .

Other types of learning difficulties may cause dyscalculia, and specifically the problem of reading difficulty is often associated with it, but there are special cases in which the problem of dyscalculia is the only one that results from other causes.

• Hearing problems.
• Vision problems.
• Numerical perception problem in the brain, which arises from weakness or damage to the brain that makes it unable to decode numerical symbols.
• A cognitive deficit in the brain that causes a loss or impairment of the ability to perceive number connections and mathematical operations.
• Having problems with memory levels and poor information storage.
• A psychological problem that causes fear of calculation and mathematics due to exposure to a bad situation with it.

How to help your child at home to overcome the problem of dyscalculia ?

• Play games with him that involve numbers or mathematical operations.
• Count the furniture in the house as a game.
• Participate in the kitchen and make him memorize the quantities of food ingredients.
• Playing cards.
• Use number playing cards.
• Make him help count money.
• Have him help pay the grocery bill.

Treatment of dyscalculia and mathematics .

• You should go to a specialist and schedule treatment sessions.
• The child must receive arithmetic and mathematics using the teaching methods specific to his/her learning difficulties before being integrated with peers who do not suffer from them.
• Patience and gentleness with the child.
• Considering that it is a problem that is not his fault.
• Inform the new teacher in each class about his condition and the need to take it into consideration.
• Continuously practice dealing with symbols, numbers, and directions.

Treatment of dyscalculia and mathematics

Many adults and children may suffer from dyscalculia , a learning disorder that affects the ability to perform mathematical calculations and math skills in particular. Although it may seem somewhat difficult, there are a set of dyscalculia treatment strategies that can be followed to solve this problem, as follows:

• Talking and writing mathematical problems
  

  People with dyscalculia and math problems can benefit from talking about the math problem or writing it out as a sentence, in order to see the relationships between the elements.

• Use drawing
  

  In addition to talking and writing, drawing a problem can help visual learners see relationships and understand concepts.

• Using educational tools
  

  Educational tools such as dice, dominoes, or clock games can help ease the difficulty of dyscalculia and math.

• Reinforcing other skills
  

  If difficulty with math and arithmetic is affecting the child's overall education, other skills, such as reading and writing, should be supported at home and at school.

• Focus on solutions, not problems.
  

  When a child struggles with dyscalculia and math, it can affect their self-confidence and mood. Therefore, focus on positive solutions and challenges rather than focusing on the problem.

Finally, it is advisable to avoid neglecting and ignoring dyscalculia and mathematics. It is necessary to go to a specialist and schedule sessions for treatment and consultation in this regard. The child must receive the math material in appropriate ways, and this is what the Madrasa.com platform provides, where

• It trains and enhances the student's basic arithmetic skills . The course includes training the student on addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, and presenting some effective teaching methods in learning arithmetic.
• This course focuses on developing the skill of understanding mathematics, by training the student to use illustrations, graphs and visual representation.
• Training is also provided on how to read sports texts correctly.
• This course is based on training the student to develop short-term memory skills, by training the student to establish information and store it in his memory. The course includes practical exercises and games that help improve memory.
• This course also helps students prepare for math tests, by training them to listen to and understand instructions accurately, and to practice strategies to maintain focus and improve their math and calculation skills.

With the School.com range of courses, students will be able to realise their true potential in mathematics and develop their skills effectively.

Do not hesitate to subscribe now to these courses and enjoy effective and guaranteed education.