Dyscalculia is a neurodiverse condition. It is a specific learning difficulty that affects a person’s ability to understand numbers, perform calculations, and grasp mathematical concepts. While many people struggle with maths at some point, dyscalculia is more than just finding maths hard – it is a persistent difficulty that impacts everyday life.
According to the British Dyslexia Association, whilst an estimated 25% of people have maths learning difficulties, about 6% of people will have dyscalculia.
In this guide, we’ll explore the signs of dyscalculia, how it affects children, and practical ways to help children who find maths difficult.
What is Dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia is a maths-related specific learning difficulty, sometimes called “maths dyslexia” (though it is different from dyslexia). It makes it challenging for children and adults to:
- Understand numbers and their value
- Perform basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
- Recognise patterns and sequences in numbers
- Remember maths facts, such as times tables
- Grasp concepts like time, measurement, and money
Dyscalculia can impact not only schoolwork but also day-to-day tasks – it’s a lifelong condition that can impact everyday activities such as telling the time, handling money, or following directions.
Signs of Dyscalculia in Children
Dyscalculia can look different for everyone, but some common signs include:
- Difficulty recognising numbers or remembering number sequences
- Trouble understanding quantities (e.g., knowing that 8 is bigger than 6)
- Struggling with basic maths calculations, even after lots of practice
- Mixing up maths symbols like +, -, ×, and ÷
- Difficulty telling time on an analogue clock
- Trouble remembering maths facts, like multiplication tables
- Challenges with spatial awareness, such as understanding left and right
- Avoiding maths activities due to frustration or anxiety
If a child struggles with numbers consistently, despite practice, they may benefit from additional learning strategies and targeted support.
How to Support Children Who Struggle with Maths and Maths Anxiety
Supporting a young person with dyscalculia or maths difficulties isn’t just about practicing sums and doesn’t have to mean endless worksheets. It’s about making maths feel less intimidating and more engaging. Here are some practical and encouraging ways to help.
1. Focus on Understanding, Not Speed
Maths isn’t a race! Timed tests, speed drills and fast-paced activities can increase maths anxiety. Instead, allow children to take their time and work at their own pace. Use visual aids, number lines, or manipulatives (like counters or blocks) to help them grasp concepts.
2. Use Games and Hands-On Activities
Games can make maths fun and less intimidating! Try:
- Board games like Snakes and Ladders to practice counting
- Card games (eg Go Fish with number pairs) to improve number sense
- Dice games to reinforce addition, subtraction, and multiplication
3. Connect Maths to Real Life
Show children how maths is used every day. Children often learn best when maths is part of real-life situations. Involve them in:
- Counting money when shopping
- Measuring ingredients while cooking
- Planning journeys with maps and distances
- Estimating time for daily tasks
Real-world examples make maths feel useful and meaningful.
4. Acknowledge Their Feelings and provide gentle support
Many children feel like they will “never be good at maths”. Acknowledge their feelings while reminding them that learning takes time and encouraging a belief that it will not always be this way. Try something like “It feels really tricky right now, but with practice, it will get easier!”
5. Mistakes can be good – make them learning opportunities
Help children understand that our brains are designed to learn from our mistakes. Mistakes help children learn! Instead of pointing out errors, celebrate them as learning opportunities. Encourage children to explain their thinking:“Can you show me how you got that answer?” or “What was your deliberate mistake?”.
This helps them spot mistakes independently and build confidence.
6. Stay Positive and Encouraging
Even if maths wasn’t your strong suit, try to stay positive about it and avoid sharing your dislike. Being positive about maths can impact their future success. Instead of saying “I was never good at maths either” try “Let’s figure it out together!”
Dyscalculia is Manageable with the Right Support
Dyscalculia may make maths learning difficult, but with patience, encouragement, and tailored strategies, children can build essential number skills and develop confidence.
If you suspect your child has dyscalculia, seek support and guidance from educational specialists. To learn more about dyscalculia, assessments, and resources, visit the British Dyslexia Association’s website here.
The British Dyslexia Association also has a number of downloadable guides to help you better understand the challenges faced by individuals with dyscalculia or maths learning difficulties, along with practical tips on how to support them:
Maths Doesn’t Have To Be Impossible: Ideas to consider if you are struggling with maths
Top Tips For Parents: Supporting a child struggling with maths
Maths Doesn’t Have To Be Scary: Things to remember if you struggle with maths