AMRITA KAMATH

Dyscalculia
DSM-V

Dyscalculia is defined as a failure to achieve in

mathematics commensurate with chronological age,
normal intelligence, and adequate instruction.

It is marked by difficulties with: visualization; visual-

spatial perception, processing and discrimination;
counting; pattern recognition; sequential memory;
working-memoryfor numbers; retrieval of learned facts
and procedures; directional confusion; quantitative
processing speed; kinesthetic sequences; and
perception of time.
; working-memoryfor numbers; retrieval of learned facts and procedures; directional confusion; quantitative processing speed; kinesthetic sequences; and perception of time.
Dyscalculia is known by several terms:

Specific Learning Disability / Disorder

in Mathematics (SLD-Math)
Math Learning Disability (MLD)
Developmental Dyscalculia (DD)
Acalculia
Math Dyslexia
Math Anxiety
Numerical Impairment
Dyscalculia can affect different aspects
of maths ability- leading to a variety of
maths profiles. Karagiannakis and
Cooreman (2014) have identified four
areas or subtypes. Dyscalculic learners
may have difficulty in all or maybe just
one or two to these areas:

Core Number
Reasoning
Memory
Visual Spatial
 Impact on maths learning
Reasoning
Understanding relationships and
mathematical concepts
Generalising and transferring
information
Understanding multiple steps in
complex algorithms
Problem solving and decision
making
Recognising patterns
 What causes
Dyscalculia?
Genetic

Brain Development

Environment

Brain Injury
 Who can diagnose?
GP needs to refer to one or more of
the following
Paediatrician
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Occupational Therapist
Physiotherapist
Speech and Language Therapist
Psychologist
 3 Best Practices
Now let us discuss some
strategies that can be used to
help the children.
These may be implemented at
school or at home.
1. Using activities that focus on
the connections between
numbers as quantities and
symbols

3
 2. Making maths real

6 8
++

What could we have 6 of?

Why would we need to add 8?
3. Using ten frames
 Some more ways to help
Explicitly demonstrate the link
between maths and everyday
situations

Role play mathematical scenarios

Represent maths concepts with

diagrams and manipulatives
( Singapore Bar Model)
Commercially available program
Maths Explained

https://www.mathsexplained.co.uk/index.php?
Parents speak.
 Helpful Links
Dyscalculia services

This is a Texas based online

program that gives detailed
information about the disorder.
They also conduct seminars and
screening tests.
https://dyscalculiaservices.com/
 Maths explained
A short series of video lessons whichexplainthe
principles ofMaths along with various other
resources.
https://www.mathsexplained.co.uk/

Understood
A website that covers most aspects of the
disorder and allows parents to get frequent
updates
https://www.understood.org/en/learning-
attention-issues/child-learning-
disabilities/dyscalculia/understanding-dyscalculia
 Resources
http://www.dyscalculia.org/diagnosis.
legal.matters/dsm.iv.ld.diagnostic.co
des
http://www.meshguides.org/guides/n
ode/662
https://dyscalculiaservices.com/
https://www.mathsexplained.co.uk/
https://www.understood.org/en/learni
ng-attention-issues/child-learning-
disabilities/dyscalculia/understanding