What is Dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia is an under-researched learning difficulty worldwide and as a result, there is little guidance for teachers on how to support students with the condition. We would like to take this opportunity to provide you with some valuable insights into dyscalculia, the indicators and how to assess it. It is estimated that between 5% and 8% of children have dyscalculia.

More Information Our Products

What is Dyscalculia?

Many academics have tried to define dyscalculia.

Start Free Trial

The below definitions are the ones most commonly used:

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. (DfES 2001)
A congenital condition: its effects on the learning of numerical skills can be very profound. (Butterworth)
Dysfunction in the reception, comprehension or production of quantitative and spatial information (Sharma).

Indicators of Dyscalculia

There are many indicators of dyscalculia and not all of them are maths related. These include:

An inability to subitise even very small quantities
Poor number sense
An inability to estimate whether a numerical answer is reasonable
Inability to notice patterns
Inability to generalise
Slow processing speed
Immature strategies – for example counting all instead of counting on
Weaknesses in both short-term and long-term memory
An inability to count backwards reliably
Weakness in visual and spatial orientation
Directional confusion
Difficulty sequencing
Difficulty with language
Poor memory for facts and procedures
Difficulties in word problems and multi-step calculations
Problems with all aspects of money
Marked delay in learning to tell the time

Pupils are really enjoying using the program. The results with one particularly hard to motivate have been amazing!

Carter's Charity Primary School -Janina Callery

Improving the wellbeing of children with dyslexia and dyscalculia

View Our Products Or Start your free trial

Our Products View All Products

IDL Literacy Software

The IDL Literacy Intervention Software is a speaking-computer based multi-sensory system which supports learners with dyslexia and other learning difficulties.

Learn More