Dyscalculia

What if my child can’t seem to learn math?

It’s possible your child has dyscalculia, a condition that makes it hard to do math and tasks that involve math. It’s not as well known or as understood as dyslexia. But some experts believe it’s just as common. That means an estimated 5 to 10 percent of people might have dyscalculia.

It’s not clear whether dyscalculia is as common in girls as in boys. Most experts think there’s no difference. (It’s also a myth that boys are better at math than girls.)

There are different terms for dyscalculia, such as “mathematics learning disability,” “mathematics learning difference,” “math dyslexia,” and “number dyslexia.” These terms can be misleading. Dyslexia is a challenge with reading. Dyscalculia is a challenge with math.

People don’t outgrow dyscalculia. Kids who have a hard time with math may continue to struggle with it as adults. But there are strategies that can help them improve math skills and manage the challenges.

Difficulty with math happens at all levels. It can be as hard to learn addition as it is to learn algebra. Basic concepts like quantities can also be a challenge. That’s why dyscalculia can make it hard to do everyday tasks. Cooking, grocery shopping, and getting places on time all involve these basic math skills, which are known as number sense.