It's normal for your child to have trouble doing math homework sometimes. But if a child who is good at all other subjects consistently scores low in math and struggles with numbers, the reason may be different than we think. Today we're talking about a condition called ' dyscalculia ' that many parents don't know about, but is common among children.
What is Dyscalculia?
Simply put, dyscalculia is a learning disability related to mathematics. Some people also call it 'math dyslexia'. But it is different from dyslexia, which is actually a reading disability.
Just think, research has found that about 7 out of 100 children in primary school may have this condition. This means that it is more common than we think. Often, this condition can be seen together with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) , a condition that causes difficulty maintaining attention. Also, there is a possibility that this can be passed down through genes in families.
The important thing is that this is not something that will go away on its own as the child grows up. If not recognized at a young age, it can cause problems even in adulthood. Because we need an understanding of numbers to go to the store to buy things, manage money, cook a meal, and get things done on time.
What are the symptoms of this condition?
The symptoms of dyscalculia can vary from one child to another, and may even appear as early as preschool.
Symptoms that can be seen in childhood
If your child stops counting halfway through at a young age, or continues to use his fingers after other children his age have stopped counting with their fingers, it may be a sign.
Also, there is a skill called "subitizing." That is, imagine rolling a dice and immediately recognizing, "This is 5, this is 3," without counting the dots. A child with dyscalculia may have a reduced ability to do this. Simply put, it is difficult to immediately say whether 8 or 6 is bigger. Because of this, the child begins to get scared and anxious as soon as the numbers are said.
Difficulties faced by a child going to school
If a school- age child has dyscalculia, they may have difficulty with the following items.
| Difficulty | To put it simply... (Simple Explanation) |
|---|---|
| Counting backwards | Difficulty counting backwards in 10, 9, 8, 7... |
| Understanding measurements | Inability to understand measurements like centimeters, meters, and kilograms. |
| Word Problems | It's hard to understand a story that has a number like "Amal had 5 mangoes, and he gave 2 of them to his sister..." |
| Basic arithmetic operations | It takes time to learn simple things like addition, subtraction, and multiplication. |
| Fractions and decimals | Difficulty understanding fractions and decimals. |
| Counting money | It's difficult to accurately count the remaining money in a store. |
| Checking the time | It is difficult to tell time with a clock with hands. |
| Remembering numbers | Difficulty remembering things like a phone number or home address. |
Any math-related activity like this can be very stressful for these children, and they may show some symptoms, both mentally and physically.
- Panicked
- Feeling restless (Agitat ED )
- Fear of math or going to school
- Nausea, vomiting
- Stomach ache
What are the causes of dyscalculia?
The exact cause of this is not yet known, but experts believe that several factors may contribute to it.
- Brain development: Researchers have observed some changes in the parts of the brain related to learning, memory, and decision-making in people with dyscalculia.
- Genetic influence: If one of the parents has math problems, the child is more likely to have the condition. Some genetic conditions, such as Turner's syndrome and fragile X syndrome , may also be involved.
- Environmental causes: Factors such as maternal alcohol consumption while the child is in the womb, premature birth, and low birth weight can affect brain development and cause this condition.
- Brain damage: Sometimes, damage to certain parts of the brain due to an accident can reduce mathematical abilities.
But remember, not all math difficulties are dyscalculia. It can also be caused by things like math anxiety, or lack of instruction.
How to diagnose this?
If you suspect your child has these difficulties, don't panic and follow these steps.
1. See a doctor first: Sometimes learning problems can be caused by a vision or hearing impairment. It's important to first make sure there's nothing wrong with that.
2. Talk to teachers: Talk to your child's math teacher to understand exactly where your child is struggling. Also ask teachers who teach other subjects how your child is doing in other subjects.
3. See a Learning Specialist: If you still have doubts after talking to the doctor and teachers, it is best to see a child psychologist or a learning disability specialist. They will diagnose your child with dyscalculia through various tests.
You can also get help with assessments through the school. Ask the school's guidance department or the class teacher about this.
How to treat and help?
There is no specific treatment for dyscalculia, but if your child has another condition, such as ADHD or anxiety, your doctor may prescribe treatment for that.
The best thing is to identify this condition as early as possible (Early Intervention). Because children's brains are still developing, the sooner you start helping them, the better the results. Especially, tailored teaching methods, math games, and frequent practice go a long way in helping these children move forward successfully.
How can you help as a parent?
There are many things you can do at home to help your child reduce their fear of math.
| What You Can Do | What does it do? (How It Helps) |
|---|---|
| Let them use their fingers and paper. | Using something tangible when doing calculations makes it easier to understand. |
| Give me a simple calculator. | Helping with basic calculations reduces stress. |
| Use graph paper. | This helps keep the numbers and columns in order. |
| Draw pictures to illustrate the story. | A problem in words is easier to understand when it is presented in an image. |
| Value the effort more than the result. | Saying, "You worked very hard" increases the child's self-confidence. |
| Talk to your child about this learning disability. | Making them understand that this is not their fault provides psychological relief. |
Take-Home Message
- Dyscalculia is not a child's laziness or lack of intelligence. It is a real learning disability.
- If your child is good at other subjects but continues to be weak at math, be suspicious.
- It is important to recognize this condition as soon as possible and seek the help of a qualified professional. Seek guidance from your doctor for this.
- With the right support and patience from parents and teachers, these children will be greatly empowered to overcome their fear of mathematics and move forward successfully.
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