Dyscalculia (patient information)

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Editor-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S.,M.D. [1] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan, M.B.B.S.

Synonyms and Keywords: Mathematics disorder

Mathematics disorder is a condition in which a child’s math ability is far below normal for their age, intelligence, and education.

• Early difficulties with arithmetic are noticed, as well as low scores in math classes and tests

• Some of the problems seen include:

• Trouble with reading, writing, and copying numbers
• Problems counting and adding numbers, often making simple mistakes
• Difficulty telling the difference between addition and subtraction
• Problems understanding math symbols and word problems
• Unable to line up numbers properly to add, subtract, or multiply
• Unable to arrange numbers from smallest to largest, or the opposite
• Unable to understand graphs

• Children who have mathematics disorder may have trouble performing simple mathematical equations, such as counting and adding.

• Mathematical disorder may appear with:

• Developmental coordination disorder
• Mixed receptive-expressive language disorder
• Reading disorder

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have any concerns about your child’s development.

• Standardized tests can assess the child’s math ability.
• Grades and class performance can also help.

• The best treatment is remedial education.
• Other programs that have been successful include Project Math and teaching computer skills.

Directions to Hospitals Treating Dyscalculia

Early intervention improves the chances of a better outcome.

• The child may have problems in school, including behavior problems and loss of self-esteem.

• Some children with mathematics disorder become anxious or afraid when given math problems, making the problem even worse.

• Affected families should make every effort to recognize existing problems early.

• Intervention may begin as early as kindergarten or elementary school.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001534.htm

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