Dyscalculia is a specific learning problem concerned with basic numerical skills. It is thought to effect between '3 and 6 per cent of the population'(Professor Butterworth). Children with dyscalculia have problems understanding the meaning of numerals, have problems with sequencing numbers and have problems with other mathematical processes such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. This leads to difficulties with everyday life skills such as telling the time, knowing the date, being able to shop as they find it tricky to handle money - not knowing how much money to give or whether they have received the correct change. With these kinds of handicaps, poor numeracy can be more of a problem for later life in respect of keeping a job than poor literacy.
It is believed that a gene or several genes cause Dyscalculia and it had been thought that dyscalculia was related to dyslexia. However, as those with dyscalculia can still excel in language and reading skills and that 40% of dyslexics have mathematical skills on a par with or beyond their expected level determined by their intelligence then it now seems unlikely. Dyscalculia has not been given as much publicity as dyslexia, and little research has been done on dyscalculic children and how to help them overcome their problems. Now, led by Professor Butterworth, there are suggestions that all children should be tested for this 'numerical blindness'. A new test has been devised that will be piloted this summer. It manages to ignore the previous educational experiences of the child putting much emphasis on how quickly the child can compute a sum in comparison to the mean of their age group.
If those children with dyscalculia can be identified at an early age, then they can receive the help and support they need quickly before they fall too far behind and give up hope altogether.
Websites and articles which discuss dyscalculia further.
The Dyscalculia Site
Dyscalculia in Schools: what it is and what you can do.
Dyscalculia, Prof. Brian Butterworth.
Trouble with Numbers - BBC News.
Not Everyone can do Maths - BBC News
Dyscalculia symptoms
What is Dyscalculia, its symptoms and how to help.
Test to see if your child has dyscalculia.
