How to identify dyscalculia and maths learning difficulties
A formal identification of dyscalculia can only be obtained by a level 7 qualified dyscalculia specialist assessor who holds an APC (and preferably AMBDA, Dyscalculia) or a suitably qualified Educational Psychologist.
The majority of individuals who struggle with maths will not have dyscalculia, but may have a specific learning difficulty with maths.
Characteristics of people with maths learning difficulties which can also be found in learners with dyscalculia include:-
- Over reliance of rote learning even if they don鈥檛 understand what they are doing.
- Unable to explain what they are doing and why.
- Difficulties understanding maths concepts, such as fractions and percentages.
- Difficulties with sequencing and pattern spotting.
- Difficulties remembering how to do a calculation, following a procedure or losing track midday through a maths problem.
- Difficulties with mathematical language and word problems.
- Difficulties with automatic retrieval of information such as times tables.
- Use strategies such as finger counting.
- Slow processing of maths information.
- Maths anxiety.
Learners with dyscalculia may have some or all of the above but will also have difficulties understanding and working with numbers in their everyday life.
Early recognition of difficulties is vital. The correct intervention at a young age to develop number awareness and flexibility, will help build strong foundations for the understanding of the number system.