Dyscalculia
What is Dyscalculia?
The term Dyscalculia is often used to describe someone who unexpectedly struggles to understand and achieve in Maths. The current working definition of Maths difficulties and dyscalculia is provided in the section 'SASC Definition of a Specific Learning Difficulty in Maths' below. This definition is designed to support assessors in diagnosing dyscalculia. The important points to note are as follows:
- A specific learning difficulty in Maths is more common than dyscalculia.
- A specific learning difficulty in Maths is caused by processing difficulties that impact on mathematical skills.
- Dyscalculia is a difficulty particularly in understanding and working with numbers.
- With dyscalculia, we may see age related difficulties with naming, ordering and comparing physical quantities and numbers, estimating and place value.
- The impact of such difficulties on an individual鈥檚 mathematical ability can vary across individuals and across the lifespan.
- Any difficulties in Maths may be affected by other factors including the environment and any co-occurring difficulties.