How to spot dyscalculia or “maths dyslexia”
On National Numeracy Day, spare a thought for the 6%of people in the UK estimated to suffer from dyscalculia, says Evolve Psychology. Dyscalculia is about how someone processes and understands numbers. It is sometimes informally referred to as maths dyslexia and is one of a group of ‘Specific Learning Difficulties’ (SpLD) which also includes dyslexia, the name for significant literacy challenges.
While a learning difficulty, dyscalculia is also a neurodivergent condition because it is a neurodevelopmental difference. This means a person with dyscalculia processes and understands numbers and mathematical concepts differently from neurotypical people. Dyscalculia is more likely to impact people with another neurodivergency like autism or ADHD, or indeed dyslexia. This is because neurodivergent conditions co-occur relatively often.
Signs of dyscalculia:
- Difficulty counting backwards
- Challenges learning and recalling basic number facts, like times tables or simple addition
- Problems telling the time, handling money and following multi-stage calculations
- Difficulties estimating quantities and measurements
- Showing anxiety around maths and avoiding number-based tasks
- Seeming unexpectedly behind in maths compared to other subjects
Cherrida Crew, Team Lead for Specific Learning Difficulties at Evolve, says: “Struggling with numeracy is more than an educational challenge; it can have a profound impact on a person’s self-esteem, affecting confidence, school experiences, and how someone starts to view themselves.“Addressing dyscalculia is vital as early recognition leads to swifter intervention and more positive outcomes – the right support can make a real difference.”
Advice for supporting yourself or your child with dyscalculia:
- Use visual and hands-on learning tools, such as counters, number lines or diagrams to make maths concepts easier to understand
- Break task down into smaller steps
- Reduce memory pressure by keeping multiplication grids, formulas and reference materials easily accessible
- Link maths to real-life situations in a more hands-on way
- Use technology and practical tools in everyday life, such as calculators, contactless payments, smartphone reminders and visual planners
- Request appropriate support in education or the workplace, including extra time, calculators or note-taking assistance where needed
- Work in quiet, low-distraction environments to improve concentration and reduce cognitive overload during maths-based tasks
Evolve Psychology offers dyscalculia assessments for children and adults across the UK to help people to understand the reason for their struggles as well how to learn, develop confidence and realise their potential.