Mathematics Disorder (Dyscalculia)

What is mathematics disorder?

Mathematics disorder is a learning disorder in which the level of a child's math skills is much lower than average for his or her age, intelligence, and education. The disorder affects the child's success at school. About 1% of children have this disorder. It affects boys and girls equally. It is also caused dyscalculia.

How does it occur?

Nobody knows what causes mathematics disorder. Like other learning disorders, it occurs more in some families. Mathematics disorder may also be the result of damage in certain parts of the brain. Children who have not had the chance to develop math skills because they have not taken part in learning activities related to math are at higher risk of developing math disorder.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of mathematics disorder (based on what is average for the child's age, education, and intelligence) include problems with:

• doing simple math
• counting
• determining direction (north, south, east, west)
• putting numbers in order
• remembering numbers
• knowing the difference between concepts like addition and subtraction

Reading and spelling problems are also common in children who have mathematics disorder.

How is it diagnosed?

Children with this disorder may start school with the same level of math skills as their peers. But by the first or second grade, when they are expected to master more math skills, their problems usually become apparent. However, in children who are doing well in other areas, the disorder might go undiscovered until around fifth grade.

Once the problem is detected, the child may be referred to a professional qualified to assess learning disorders. The child and the parents will then meet with the healthcare provider or therapist. The child will take special tests that measure math skills and overall intelligence. The parents will be asked about the child's behavior, success at school, and any family history of learning disabilities. Your child will be evaluated to see if there are other problems such as ADHD or other learning disabilities. A psychiatrist may evaluate your child to see if medicine might help his or her symptoms.

How is it treated?

Once a diagnosis is made, you and your child can discuss treatment options with the healthcare provider or therapist.

Mathematics disorder is usually treated by giving the child special instruction in math and having the child devote extra time to learning math skills.

An important part of treatment for a child with mathematics disorder is boosting self-esteem through support and encouragement. The child should be praised for his or her efforts and for any gains, no matter how small, in learning math skills.

How long do the effects last?

Grade school children with this disorder will have to put extra effort into improving their math skills. By high school, some children will have improved their math skills and will no longer have a hard time doing math. Teenagers who continue to struggle with math are at risk of losing all interest in learning it. They may become too discouraged to try to acquire the basic math skills most adults need. Their lack of math skills may limit their career choices.

What can I do to help my child?

• Teach your child not to be embarrassed about having mathematics disorder. It does not mean that he or she is not intelligent.
• If you have not already done so, contact a pediatrician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other professional qualified to assess the problem and to suggest ways to help.
• Spend regular time at home working with your child on math skills.
• Most school districts have special programs to help children with learning disorders. Find out what services are available through the school district or your community to help children who have a hard time with math.

Written by Psychiatric Professional Services, Inc.
Published by RelayHealth.
© 2009 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.