Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia is a specific learning difficulty which affects a child’s ability to learn basic arithmetic facts, process numbers and perform accurate and fluid calculations. Dyscalculia often occurs with other conditions such as dyslexia or ADHD.

Common features of dyscalculia can be:

• Difficulties counting backwards
• Performing calculations significantly slower than peers
• Poor sense of number and estimation
• Difficulty remembering mathematical facts, despite repeated teaching
• High levels of anxiety related to mathematics

In our experience, the impact of dyscalculia can vary significantly. In some cases, children require some changes in the method of teaching, in others significant additional support is required. It is likely that dyscalculia results in special educational needs (SEN).

In some cases, SEN additional support may be adequate, whereas in others an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) will be necessary. Careful assessment of the impact of the child’s needs is required to establish the necessary level of support and special educational needs advice should be sought.