Dyscalculia
By: Fiona Malm, Special Needs Educator
Dyscalculia is a learning difficulty that affects a person's manipulation and understanding of number-based information in theory, and in the real world. How can you tell if you or someone else might potentially have dyscalculia? Well, here are some indicators to look out for: the child can't recognise and count 1-10 at age 2-4 years, number patterns are hard, forgets math facts, forgets numbers, deadlines, and other details such as login information, and struggles to apply math skills in daily life.
Do any of the above indicators seem common to you or perhaps someone you know? It could be your child, your learner or even neighbour. But please don't be quick to label. An individual can only be confirmed to have dyscalculia after formal neurodevelopmental assessments have been made. Is a dyscalculia diagnosis a death sentence for your mathematics journey? Definitely not! With appropriate and individualized special educational support, the sky is just the starting point for individuals with dyscalculia; they can totally achieve whatever they set their minds to in life. There are many important personalities making great strides with dyscalculia. There's Bill Gates- founder of Microsoft, Benjamin Franklin- a founding father of the United States of America, Cher- the singer, Mary Tyler Moore- actress, Henry Winkler- actor, comedian, producer and director. All these amazing personalities with dyscalculia have made a positive impact in our world and so can you.
Many researchers haven't uncovered what specifically leads to dyscalculia. This means that dyscalculia does not have any known causes and ways to avoid the condition. However, according to researchers, there are some trends in people with dyscalculia that is worth noting. Brain imaging studies have shown that people with dyscalculia have differences in brain structure and brain function of the areas associated with learning. Research also shows that dyscalculia runs in families and may be as a result of genetics and hereditary.
People with dyscalculia possess amazing competencies that include critical thinking skills, creativity, problem solving skills and in most cases, exceptional reading and spelling skills. Learners with dyscalculia mostly have a hard time enjoying or doing math-related work in school. Teachers and parents can support these learners by making math more concrete and fun. Dyscalculia has no cure but can be managed. It is highly encouraged that dyscalculic learners seek for professional special education support services in order to fully reach their potential.
Next time you feel all hope is lost due to a dyscalculia diagnosis, picture Bill Gates, Benjamin Franklin and the likes, and know that you too can aim for the stars and be the best version of yourself.