What Is Dyscalculia?

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LD Basics | Language & Math | Math

What Is Dyscalculia?

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By NCLD Editorial Staff
Published: December 9 2010

Watch: Dyscalculia Explained

Dyscalculia refers to a wide range of lifelong learning disabilities involving math. There is no single type of math disability. Dyscalculia can vary from person to person. And, it can affect people differently at different stages of life.
Two major areas of weakness can contribute to math learning disabilities:

Visual-spatial difficulties, which result in a person having trouble processing what the eye sees
Language processing difficulties, which result in a person having trouble processing and making sense of what the ear hears

Using alternate learning methods, people with dyscalculia can achieve success.

What are the Effects of Dyscalculia?

Disabilities involving math vary greatly. So, the effects they have on a person's development can vary just as much. For instance, a person who has trouble processing language will face different challenges in math than a person who has trouble with visual-spatial relationships. Another person may have trouble remembering facts and keeping a sequence of steps in order. This person will have yet a different set of math-related challenges to overcome.

What is Dyscalculia For individuals with visual-spatial troubles, it may be hard to visualize patterns or different parts of a math problem. Language processing problems can make it hard for a person to get a grasp of the vocabulary of math. Without the proper vocabulary and a clear understanding of what the words represent, it is difficult to build on math knowledge.

When basic math facts are not mastered earlier, teens and adults with dyscalculia may have trouble moving on to more advanced math applications. These require that a person be able to follow multi-step procedures and be able to identify critical information needed to solve equations and more complex problems.

What Are the Warning Signs of Dyscalculia?

Having trouble learning math skills does not necessarily mean a person has a learning disability. All students learn at different paces. It can take young people time and practice for formal math procedures to make practical sense. So how can you tell if someone has dyscalculia? If a person continues to display trouble with the areas listed below, consider testing for dyscalculia. Extra help may be beneficial.

Dyscalculia: Warning signs by Age
Young Children	School-Age Children	Teenagers & Adults
Difficulty learning to count Trouble recognizing printed numbers Difficulty tying together the idea of a number (4) and how it exists in the world (4 horses, 4 cars, 4 children) Poor memory for numbers Trouble organizing things in a logical way - putting round objects in one place and square ones in another	Trouble learning math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) Difficulty developing math problem-solving skills Poor long term memory for math functions Not familiar with math vocabulary Difficulty measuring things Avoiding games that require strategy	Difficulty estimating costs like groceries bills Difficulty learning math concepts beyond the basic math facts Poor ability to budget or balance a checkbook Trouble with concepts of time, such as sticking to a schedule or approximating time Trouble with mental math Difficulty finding different approaches to one problem

How is Dyscalculia is Identified?

When a teacher or trained professional evaluates a student for learning disabilities in math, the student is interviewed about a full range of math-related skills and behaviors. Pencil and paper math tests are often used, but an evaluation needs to accomplish more. It is meant to reveal how a person understands and uses numbers and math concepts to solve advanced-level, as well as everyday, problems. The evaluation compares a person's expected and actual levels of skill and understanding while noting the person's specific strengths and weaknesses. Below are some of the areas that may be addressed:

Ability with basic math skills like counting, adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing
Ability to predict appropriate procedures based on understanding patterns — knowing when to add, subtract, multiply, divide or do more advanced computations
Ability to organize objects in a logical way
Ability to measure — telling time, using money
Ability to estimate number quantities
Ability to self-check work and find alternate ways to solve problems.

How is Dyscalculia Treated

Helping a student identify his/her strengths and weaknesses is the first step to getting help. Following identification, parents, teachers and other educators can work together to establish strategies that will help the student learn math more effectively. Help outside the classroom lets a student and tutor focus specifically on the difficulties that student is having, taking pressure off moving to new topics too quickly. Repeated reinforcement and specific practice of straightforward ideas can make understanding easier. Other strategies for inside and outside the classroom include:

Use graph paper for students who have difficulty organizing ideas on paper.
Work on finding different ways to approach math facts; i.e., instead of just memorizing the multiplication tables, explain that 8 x 2 = 16, so if 16 is doubled, 8 x 4 must = 32.
Practice estimating as a way to begin solving math problems.
Introduce new skills beginning with concrete examples and later moving to more abstract applications.
For language difficulties, explain ideas and problems clearly and encourage students to ask questions as they work.
Provide a place to work with few distractions and have pencils, erasers and other tools on hand as needed.

Help students become aware of their strengths and weaknesses. Understanding how a person learns best is a big step in achieving academic success and confidence.

This article is made possible by a grant from the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation.

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89 Comments

okay this might be awkward but i think i have this my last math test i took i was in a 4th grade level when i should be at least in a 6th i have always had really bad problems in math and have never accelerated in math all of my math regular test my best scores were 70's to low 60's and my teacher helped me with it but it just didnt seem to help i accelerate in all other courses i took my end of the year reading class and i got a graduateing score i am just really upset with myself that i am not as "good" as all my oth friends BTW: i still dont know all of my addtion subtearaction and multiplication facts. Please help Lydia

Posted by: lydia on Thursday, 10 May 2012
Thank you. This website has changed my life. I'm 32 years old with a 4th grade math level. For years I've been told that I'm lazy and stupid and need to put more effort into my studies. I've always done exceptionally well in all other subject areas, but have failed math since 4th grade. I left college and didn't finish my degree because no one believed me that I needed help in math. As an adult returning to school to finish my degree I am facing much anxiety about the challenges in math that face me. When I stumbled across your website it was like a light was shining through the darkness and I had that "ah-ha" moment. Now that I have a name for the face of my difficulty, I am going to be sure to be tested and properly diagnosed so I can get access to all the resources I need to be successful. Thank you a thousand times, I'm crying tears of relief and hope now instead of frustration and sadness.

Posted by: Meaghan on Wednesday, 09 May 2012
I am soooo glad to see that I am not alone. I have been struggling with math since the 3rd grade, and now I am a 23years old who has been working on a AA- degree in psy for the past 4yrs. I took the lost level of math twice and faild it. I transfer to a different state college, so I wouldn't have to pay the out of state fee. I took the placement test at my new school 4times and each time I either faild it horrible or came one point from reachinh the second level. Now I am done with all my other courses, but still I have not even begun math and I still have 5semesters of math to go. I will never graduate and transfer tp a university and its devestating. I have cried and studied for hours until I was stressed out and had to go to the docotors. I've had my friends tutor me and still I faild short. Math has always been a struggle and all through middle & high school I had teachers just past me on to the next level.

Posted by: Sky on Monday, 07 May 2012
Kendra, I wonder how you'd fare in my shoes, overcoming mild cerebral palsy (spastic diplegia), use of one eye, and autism spectrum disorder with echolalia/dyscalculia and visual/spatial congnitive disabilities. My schools were not apprised of my dyscalculia or anything else, because back then, I would have been labeled and put in the "resource room". Teachers used to accuse me of faking my troubles with math and I was often punished for it. I even had to attend summer school just to pass basic algebra. I was thrown out of two math and chemistry classes for being too high maintenance. To sum up,3 master's degrees by age 26, I am a conservatory trained classical singer, founded and run an opera company, design jewelry and work in career services. That was after 13 years on the corporate side doing information science stuff. What a slacker I am. It's what you do with the hand that is dealt that matters. Maybe I brag a little, but you certainly can't call me lazy :).

Posted by: mj on Wednesday, 18 April 2012
Kendra, I wonder how you'd fare in my shoes, overcoming mild cerebral palsy (spastic diplegia), use of one eye, and autism spectrum disorder with echolalia/dyscalculia and visual/spatial congnitive disabilities. My schools were not apprised of my dyscalculia or anything else, because back then, I would have been labeled and put in the "resource room". Teachers used to accuse me of faking my troubles with math and I was often punished for it. I even had to attend summer school just to pass basic algebra. I was thrown out of two math and chemistry classes for being too high maintenance. To sum up, I completed 3 master's degrees by age 26, I am a conservatory trained classical singer, founded and run an opera company, design jewelry and work in career services. That was after 13 years on the corporate side doing information science stuff. What a slacker I am. It's what you do with the hand that is dealt that matters. Maybe I brag a little, but you certainly can't call me lazy :).

Posted by: mjlc on Wednesday, 18 April 2012
I have a 7 yr old daughter. She's in first grade and she's struggling with basic Math. She's doing great in everything else. Her Ped Neurologist gave me this term today and that's why I'm here now. This sounds just like her. The teachers are recommending for her to repeat 1st grade again. I'm so confused about all of this. Her fluency is off the charts but her Math skills suck. I just don't feel like she should stay in 1st grade again because of her Math. She's made Honor roll and Principles list every time but once. What do you guys think? Any advice...

Posted by: Cindy on Monday, 16 April 2012
hey. okay from the start of elementry school i have always struggled with math. I have sufferd the ridicule of my classmates for being unable to understand even the simplist problems,tell/estemate time, and even now in high school i still suffer. You know how it is they call you lazy, stupid and ask you why you want to make such bad choices for your self all the time. well finding that i am not the only one who has been so frustrated really lifts my spirit. Just knowing there is a cause for my tourture. there is no words.

Posted by: crystal on Monday, 16 April 2012
continued...I just went through an adult math refresher course, so that I can hopefully get through the college math placement test I have to take next week. The teacher was INCREDIBLY patient and helpful and I do think some things came back to me, but there are some things, like formulas & all of the different rules for algebra etc. that just DO NOT stick in my head, no matter how many times I go over them. I want to thank all of you, (Besides Kendra), for sharing your stories and offering encouragement. If anyone wants to email me directly and has any advice to offer, please feel free to do so APeene@gmail.com Thank you!

Posted by: Angela on Thursday, 05 April 2012
continued...I have sat here reading these stories with tears streaming down my face, because I have always felt stupid, I have always felt like I could NEVER get a degree, because I would never be able to make it through college math. I failed several math classes in my younger years in college and decided, I must just be stupid. I have NEVER been able to memorize my multiplication tables, no matter how many times I have gone over them. continued...

Posted by: Angela on Thursday, 05 April 2012
So Kendra, even with people who have PhD's and other college degrees on here, talking about their life long struggles in math, you are labeling them as LAZY? You have GOT to be kidding me! I have never heard of Dyscalculia until TODAY when I found this site. I am 46 years old and have gone back to college full time after not being in college since I was 19 years old. I am just completing my 2nd semester back in college with a 4.0. I have had only A's on every single assignment in every single class. However, I have yet to take math. I know that math will be the class that kills my GPA. I will finish this in another post...

Posted by: Angela on Thursday, 05 April 2012
I have an 11 yo who struggles with simple additions and substractions, but excels in geometry and algebra, could this be a case Dyscalculia?

Posted by: Kim on Wednesday, 28 March 2012
I want to get myself checked for this LD, I have never learned math properly, all my life I've had trouble in school, specially in math. I Am 16 and I have always been one step behind in learning. When I was younger I had trouble reading out loud but my mom got me some reading lessons but I still have some trouble. I have a math test in 2 days and I am terrified because I don't understand, even though they explain me and if I do understand, I forget it. My math skills are terrible and lately I've been having trouble with simple math in real life, I am failing my math class this semester (like most years). My mom never wanted to get me tested. I am contacting a friend so I can get tested, I don't wish I had a disorder but I am scared of simply not understanding

Posted by: Maria on Tuesday, 27 March 2012
My first ever post.... My son is a senior in high school and has struggled for years. It's so nice to know that he isn't alone. My family are all educators and engineers so this has been really tough for him but my one brother has been at his side for the past number of years helping him through. Just this past year or so my son's amazing ability to write has shown through. Lina - I've sent your comment on to my son. Maybe he'll feel inspired. Thank you.

Posted by: Randmansmom on Tuesday, 20 March 2012
I am glad to know I am not crazy and that the thing I can't do finally has a name... There is so little out here on the net about this disability/condition - if there are more resources, websites or treatment of any kind, please post them :) Thanks!

Posted by: Kat on Monday, 19 March 2012
Hi all! Just stumbled upon this site while researching for a paper. I've known about dyscalculia for 10+ years identified with the symptoms. Like many of you, I am an excellent student. I am in my last semester, with a 4.0. My math courses almost literally drove me crazy. Most people have no idea what it's like to be up crying at 3:00 in the morning because you cannot wrap your mind around a problem. I can do problem 100 times and come up with 100 different answers. I feel so dumb! I excel in everything else I do. Now I'm applying to grad school. It is so depressing that higher math is so terrifying to me that I may not even go! How can an adult get diagnoed? Does anyone have advice about where I should start? Thanks!

Posted by: Amy on Wednesday, 14 March 2012
To all fellow dyscalculics here. I’m so happy I found this forum. I’m the ONLY dyscalculic in my very scientific family where everyone is a math whiz. I’ve put up with a lot of mental abuse for being “dumb” as a kid and they still don’t get it why I can’t add two numbers in my head. College was extremely difficult because I was forced to choose a math major, but years and years later I went back to school to do what I wanted to do – to be a journalist. I am now in Columbia Journalism School – and I am working on an article about dyscalculia in children and adults. If anyone posting here is interested in being interviewed for the article about his/her journey and opinion of how this LD should be approached by educators, please email me. I’d love to hear your story. Will post my email here: lr2608@columbia.edu Good luck to everyone.

Posted by: Lina on Friday, 09 March 2012
cont (all four posts go together)since I had to split them up, this was to follow the one about calculus... Differential equations were with a different instructor, who wouldn't accept my way of doing homework. I made a deal with the instructor to exit with a "C", because I couldn't make my homework look the way he wanted it to without spending hours that I didn't have to rewrite everything. It was so hard and took so long for me to solve the equations; I couldn't understand why he didn't get that.

Posted by: ADDMouse on Friday, 02 March 2012
In chemistry, often I would get through an entire problem and in the end, even though I may have arrived at the correct solution, I would literally write down the WRONG NUMBER. One chemistry instructor bluntly told me that "close" would never be good enough, as a mistake like that could cost a future patient their life (valid point, but at the time, I thought it cruel that no credit was given for understanding the concept of HOW to set up the formula, etc.) To this day, I make random dialing errors, flip numbers and have moments where I tangle my fingers while typing. I've never been able to type faster than 65 wpm; it's like there's too much "overhead" processing going on between my brain and my fingers to go any faster. Ironically, I ended up working as an executive assistant and must literally quadruple check EVERYTHING (and hope to god that no one notices!)

Posted by: ADDMouse on Friday, 02 March 2012
cont. I did go on to take calculus and even differential equations, years later, when I was in the USAF and hoped to apply to a medical school that required at least one semester of calculus. I STRUGGLED and even threw the book on the floor. I always thought I was a right-brainer struggling to conform to the world of left-brainers, because my instructor would comment that he had never seen homework like mine in all his years of teaching. I would fill the page with a long, tortured roadmap that would occasionally wrap around to the back of the paper (using an arrow) to show how I had arrived at the answer, which I would boldly circle to prove I had solved the equation. I had a fellow student who served as my "intrepreter" in class when I would ask a question, since apparently I couldn't "speak" math. cont.

Posted by: ADDMouse on Friday, 02 March 2012
Back in grammar school, I was in MGM (mentally gifted minors) and in the "top math group" in 4th, 5th and 6th grade. When the concept of negative and positive numbers was introduced, on a 30 question test, I got all but two WRONG. The teacher took me aside and threatened to expel me from the top group (something she did quite frequently). When she explained that positive/negative numbers equated to having/not having money, it "clicked" for me. cont.

Posted by: ADDMouse on Friday, 02 March 2012
Hi, i'm a 21 year old girl, and I am hearing impaired ( I don't know if this is relevant?) While i do perfectly fine at talking and reading, and people have told me that i'm clever, I seem to always have a small problem with numbers. Calculating things in my had has always taken a while, but it wasn't that bad, the worst thing is remembering what these numbers are called out loud 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90. I never understood digital clocks either, but now i'm slowly able to make connections, for example 15 is 3, and 18 is 6, but it wasn't before I was around 19 years old that I managed to make the connection. I'm only able to know which numbers are what if I count them in a row, if someone said 90, i would count up with my fingers from 50, 60, 70, 80 to 90 and then I would know. Is this considered dyscalculia? Or could it be that I just never learned it properly as a child beause i'm hearing impaied?

Posted by: Nymeria on Thursday, 01 March 2012
Can Angela the Psychologist with her PhD please make another post? I am currently enrolling in Psychology classes and having suffered from Dyscalculia and ADD my whole life I would love to talk to her about the job outlook for a Psychologist. I am mostly interested in working with/ children/teens and being an advocate for not only children and teens, but also college students and working adults with LD's.

Posted by: Shea on Thursday, 01 March 2012
omg im 13 years old and i think i have this LD... stay up all night and study just to fail my test I JUST DONT GET IT i cant remember basic facts like multiplication facts... i remember the first day of 5th grade my teacher askied me to do a division problem and i was soooo confident that i knew it and i didnt i just did it like an addition problem and i was sooo embarresed because everyone else knew exacly how to do it and got it right

Posted by: julienne on Monday, 20 February 2012
Hi, I am a 65 year old Ph.D. graduate (psychology) who has always had a problem with math, time, number memory etc but only recently understood I might have dyscalculia. I hate "making change" and usually offer a currency note for purchases, never balance my checkbook (I have a bookkeeper who despairs of me), and much more. I read "My Thirteenth Winter" and "recognized" myself in the character! I am very verbal with a 150 , an author and did a Ph.D. dissertation with stats that almost killed me mentally but I stuck with it and graduated. Basically, I have had to do things "differently" and find ways to adapt. It can be done but it's not been easy. I never thought I had a learning disability but always knew I was different. Thanks for the opportunity to share.

Posted by: Angela on Sunday, 12 February 2012
I have the visual-spatial version of this disability. (I often see numbers in reverse and have to double check them over and over again.) Luckily, I used to have a photographic memory as a child, so no one ever identified a problem. I made it all the way to AP Calculus AB in high school. Yes, I had a harder time with math than I did with any other subjects. And yes, I took the one math requirement my Ivy League college required and happily bid adieu to math forever. (And yes, I got an "A!") But the truth is that I forced myself to try really hard at math and I managed. If I had known I had this learning disability in high school, I would not have taken the honors math courses I did take. Life would have been a lot easier, but I'm glad I didn't know. It's better to force yourself to overcome a problem than it is to sit back and make excuses for it.

Posted by: Jane on Sunday, 12 February 2012
never thought i had a problem till now in high school i barely passed my math classes i was able to give the correct answer to all my math questions but till never explain how or actually work the problem just give me the questions i could give you the answer. not so today it took me the entire post today to realize it was from current to oldest i was trying to figure out how to help my wire who has signs of LD but maybe we both need help thanks for all the post they have been most helpfull

Posted by: dan blanton on Sunday, 12 February 2012
Kelly, Oh my gosh, I'm you! That's exactly how it is for me. I just DON'T get Math. I am excited to take this test and then maybe I will finally know!

Posted by: Steph on Saturday, 28 January 2012
For as long as I can remember I've had problems with math. I had difficulty doing basic math (I was taught how to do basic math by the rote system. This is how I learned basic math skills. In my teens I understood basic math skills to get by and that was it. The chemistry class I took in college was a nightmare. The lab assistant couldn't understand why I was having difficulty and wouldn't help me. He'd come around asking me why I wasn't doing anything and I would say I needed help. I didn't undestand. No one helped me (people gave me dirty looks and seemed to think I was being lazy or not wanting to do the class work).

Posted by: Lucy on Saturday, 28 January 2012
Thank you for this posting. I'm 27, have been in college part time for a few years, I'm married and have two kids. Math has always been the absolute bane of my existence. I have had As and Bs in college except for MATH! I excel in EVERYTHING except for math - for some reason I just cannot make sense of the numbers and letters, nor can I ever remember formulas or the whys and hows of an equation! Even if there is nothing that can be done after a "diagnosis" that's ok. At least I know there's a valid reason for not actually "getting" math like other people do, and not just because I'm dumb or something. I love school, I want to earn my degree, and I hope math does not hold me back.

Posted by: Kelly on Friday, 27 January 2012
Anyone who has ever struggled through school, felt stupid, had their heart broken and their self worth destroyed because they sit in a class of 30 other students who seem to just 'get it' while they work hours every night only to fail- these pepole understand that "Learning Disabled" does NOT mean "LAZY." I have a Dyslexic son and I have died a million times watching him work so hard for a failing grade. I resent the remarks that this is a crutch! My daughter is math disabled and has worked with various instructors and put in many hours of work while her friends wizzed through and went out for the night. Not everyone is a musician, not everyone can paint a masterpiece, or write a best seller. NOT everyone can do ALGEBRA!!! It does NOT mean you are stupid or lazy. You wouldn't ask a child with one arm to hit a home run because everyone else can- a disability is not always so apparent. Doesn't mean they don't exist. A true educator knows this.

Posted by: Laura on Monday, 16 January 2012
RE: Kendra -- Clearly there was a greater problem with your math education than you admit and perhaps it persists as a struggle for you today as well, you sought out a site for a reason and chose to attack the information rather than embrace it. I feel sorry for you that you never had the opportunity to get the quality education/tutoring that this kind of information is making available to children today but remember that it is never too late to change/improve your own skills. Everyone struggling with math, or any subject, should seek out an additional source as well. Framing the information in different language can make all the difference in the world to most children suffering from dyscalculia.

Posted by: Paul on Sunday, 15 January 2012
one thin after 50 year of struggling with dylixia that i learned i am a hands on learner, and some of the smartest pepole are dylixa . with today age of technolgie the computer is a great tool to help learn to spell just use word spelling check and using excel help understand algerba or you can just use other forms from microsoft to help keep your check books straight. keep in mind that one promble we have is our brains are working far faster than our hands we need to slow down in all we undertake and never be afraid to ask someone else to look over any thing written out. keep in mind your never stupid like other may say, your probly smarter than that person . so dont give up if they say you cant say you can also note i work in finance now for over 30 years never went to colledge just learned on the job .for kids ther are so many games on the interneet that could help.

Posted by: linda on Wednesday, 11 January 2012
@kendra that comment is really insensitive of you. I just found out about dyscalculia today and I'm excited to finally know what may be wrong with me son. His school asked me if they could test him for special ed and he was so devastated. He asked me if they thought he was stupid. Broke my heart. We have struggled , teachers and me and his father, to try and teach him math. I mean, in my head I'm thinking, how hard is it to memorize multiplication tables? But no one is saying to use it as a cruch. It's important to remember not everyone learns the same. Knowing what he has only helps me find out how to help him and for him to know how to help himself.

Posted by: trisha on Tuesday, 10 January 2012
I have also math problems since I was a kid it's started from the third grade when I lock or unlock a door I have difficulties which side to remember right or left also had difficulties with north south and also telling the time exactly was hard .last year of high school my math teacher pass me throw 60 and now in collage I took algebra 3times and I fail every time please help me I am disparate.

Posted by: Zaak on Monday, 09 January 2012
For learning basic facts, try xtramath.org It's a wonderful nonprofit website (no advertisements)where kids can practice basic facts for just ten minutes a day. My 4th grader went from knowing just 20 multiplication facts to learning all of her facts through the ten's in less than a month of daily practice on xtramath.

Posted by: DD on Sunday, 01 January 2012
Hi i,m a 37 year old that's had Dyscalculia Sense haven a brain injury or t.b.i its not easy to understand math or how to configure the meaning of math

Posted by: rebecca on Thursday, 29 December 2011
One more thing - I was diagnosed when I went to a state agency for help. I have BiPolar disorder and had to undergo testing to "prove" that I had it. My doctor's letter was not enough proof, they needed their own tests! Most states should have some kind of agency that works with the disabled to help them find work. Here in Alabama it is called Vocational Rehabilitation.

Posted by: Kimberly on Friday, 16 December 2011
I am a 40 yr old college graduate - I have spent the past 20 years thinking I just had a mental breakdown in collge - but I was recently diagnosed with dyscalculia. I was shocked, as was my family, I never really thought I had a "Math Problem". Want to hear something crazy? When I was a freshman in college my major was Engineering/Mathematics! Flunked my first semester in spectacular fashion - first F in my life, and I get a whole semester of them! Never even occured to me to get tested for a LD back then. I was so good at reading and writing - I had never heard of math LDs.

Posted by: Kimberly on Friday, 16 December 2011
My daughter 'qualified out' of an IEP for math and was 'pushed through' intermediate algebra. This was by admission, off the record, by her school counselor. In her senior year she developed an eating disorder (I believe in part from the stress of not being able to do math like those around her (her other subjects were great)). She is now wanting to go to college, and is looking at schools which dont require math. I am wondering whether this is the right approach. Many of those schools do not seem to match her intellectual curiosity and competence. Are there schools we should know about, who understand the situation of students like her? What steps do we need to take to apply to the schools of her choosing? Any thoughts, experiences, resources and advice would be so greatly appreciated

Posted by: Jeanne R. on Monday, 12 December 2011
I'm great with any other subjects!! Math just won't click, I just want to understand it! I'm in college already and Iv been having this problem since I was a kid.I just want to understand it and be normal

Posted by: lenny on Friday, 09 December 2011
I just want to say that there really ARE people out there, competent adults, who struggle with math. I am a college student and have just now scheduled a psychological evaluation for a learning disability, particularly in math. I actually excel in every other area, was at college level at age 16, except math. It's not something that I can be tutored for. I see the number 9 and write the number 6 instead. I add when I should subtract. I leave out digits, skip steps, even have problems telling time on an analog clock. I am 27, married with three kids. This has really held me back academically and since everyone has considered me the "whiz" in every other area, I have been too ashamed to admit I genuinely have a problem. It's not even about understanding math concepts for me, sure I have to study harder than the average student but eventually I get it. It's the careless mistakes that I make, mistakes that I don't even recognize when they are pointed out to me, that is really hurting me.

Posted by: Kristi on Tuesday, 06 December 2011
Hi my son is having problems with mutiplication. I have flash cards, have him repeat the problem and answer severe times, and write down all the problems and answers and he still don't get it. I have worked with and taught him that multipication 2's are as they sound, 2,4,6 and so on he's good as long as I go inorder but if I don't go in order or skip around he doesn't know the answer and starts to count on his fingers. I don't know what else to do, I have contacted the math teacher at his school and she is now helping him but still I don't see any improvement. I need help please, I've been reading all these post and going to try the websites listed in the post. Thanks everyone for your comments and ideas. God Bless you all and good luck.

Posted by: Coma Tyree Armstrong on Monday, 05 December 2011
@Kendra Please take just a minute to read this and understand that I am an educator at the high school and college level with a Masters in Math education. I have a young man, very bright, works extremely hard at everything he does, and yet I can demonstrate that he has a difficulty with sequencing, abstract concepts, and spacial difficulties as well. This may very well be the answer to helping my student receive the help he needs. Shame shame that in this day and age with so much research and information that someone would close their mind to helping a young man so close to graduation. He will NEVER be on disability. He works very hard but does need some accommodations to complete the tasks that the state is requiring of him. Not that he will ever have to use them in the real world, but he must do it now.

Posted by: Kimberly on Sunday, 04 December 2011
Wow. That's really ignorant sounding. Like... read what you just wrote. Would you say that to someone with dyslexia? You're saying something that sounds as asinine as "oh, reading disorder. Trouble reading words. They're just not studying hard enough" Like, go to college.

Posted by: Sarah on Friday, 02 December 2011
Wow Kendra. You sound like one of the many under-educated teachers that I encountered in elementary school (and in college). You might want to educate yourself in the science behind cognitive processing before spreading your "get over it" attitude... ahem, bitterness to the world. I don't think anyone who genuinely struggles with this condition is simply out to get a disability check as you so infer. Eww. The fact that you took the time to spew ignorant non-sense on an internet message board that is intended to help people speaks volumes.

Posted by: Desiree on Tuesday, 22 November 2011
Not trying to be rude, but this just sounds completely made up. All the "symptoms" just sound like laziness and carelessness. "Oh I can't stick to a schedule I have a math disability." That is such crap. This is just some crack-pot excuse to not teach your kids and an excuse for your children not to apply themselves and learn and use their brains. I know people learn at different paces and some need a different approach. I was one of those that needed a different approach to math. I learned better with a hands-on technique. But this? All these so-called signs and symptoms are just laziness. Then again, this is the day and age you can get a disability check for being too shy. :|

Posted by: Kendra on Monday, 21 November 2011
I too have struggled with math my whole life I am now in college and am failing math i'm in mod math and had gotten through to mod 5 there are 9. I retested and discovered I retained nothing and have been sent back to mod 1. I talked to a college counsellor and she gave me a list of local doctors who test for a math disability one is an educational Diagnostician or a Psychologist. Anyone who doesn't know where to turn go to them.

Posted by: Sheree' on Thursday, 17 November 2011
this really helped me for my project on dyscalcula. it gave me alot of information

Posted by: makienzie on Monday, 14 November 2011
Tengo una niña de 8 a.os, que está en 3 grado. En todas las materias le va muy bien excepto en matemáticas y su profesor no entiende por qué. Me he informado de la discalculia pero quiero saber qué ejercicios puedo hacer con mi hija en casa, no puede memorizar las tablas de multiplicar, agradecería si alguien puede ayudarme, mi correo es luzcolorvioleta@gmail.com Muchas gracias

Posted by: María Bautista on Friday, 11 November 2011
Just got out of my college math class tonight. My teacher wants me to visit the school's disability office to see if I qualify for extra help. I've failed math since 3rd grade. This is my 3rd time in college just to finish my AA- all I have left is math and some science classes that have math pre-recs. I'm retaking algebra 2 and even though I just took the class last semester, I am struggling. My teacher lets me take tests in a room by myself and the tests are set up for me with one problem per page. But for the next class, he is not sure another teacher will allow me to work this way, so he wants me to see about getting evaluated for a learning disability. I know I suck at math, but shocked that someone would catch this at 38 years old. I have the best math teacher in the world =)

Posted by: JLR on Thursday, 10 November 2011
I was informally diagnosed with Dyscalculia as a young adult. I managed to pass Math throughout school but with many tears and tutors. I always thought I was stupid as well. I stuggled with math but also with other things such as the inabilty to count back change or tell time until I was much older. I also could not learn to read music and developed my own way to play the piano.

Posted by: Cari on Monday, 07 November 2011
I too struggle with math and have done so all of my life. I can remeber in elementary school, I had a special teacher come in to work with me on math. In junior high, I would do well enough to pass basic math but I was still struggling and when they would move me to beginning algebra, I would have a really hard time and they would move me back to beginning math. Now that I am in college, I struggle the worst. I am trying to graduate on time, but I am in intermediate algebra and on the third test, got my grade up to a low "C". I cry every night and my stress levels are through the roof. No one believes me when I say that I am having trouble in my math class. I no longer trust anyone when they are talking about math. I don't bring up my stuggle. I am so tired of trying and not succeeding.

Posted by: Lisa on Wednesday, 26 October 2011
thank yhu 4 thu info.... it helpd mii alot 4 mii skool project...

Posted by: Arabia Earth on Tuesday, 18 October 2011
you guys are nice:)

Posted by: mcjagger on Tuesday, 18 October 2011
please could you send me information on the Dyscalculia in leaflet format please and if u have any posters could u send me some please as i work in a information hub part time and we would display them for you my address is 35 Donald Dewar Court Springhill Aberdeen AB16 5JB

Posted by: antony mcgowan on Thursday, 06 October 2011
Growing up I always had severe difficulties understanding the concepts of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division then later algebra. I could not function well enough to pass timed math drills or perform linear equations. It wasn't until just recently when I began college as a non-trad student that I was tested and diagnosed with a math disability. I am about to graduate Cum Laude with a BS in Special Education. I have found a very useful math site for learning math concepts, and I use it daily to reiterate previously learned skills. Also, to learn new ways of breaking down a concept for my students' learning needs. It is called The Khan Academy. It is ABSOLUTELY free. The website is khanacademy.org I really hope it helps you, or your student understand concepts that might seem daunting or too challenging. By the way, I am in no way affiliated with this website; I am just a special education teacher who wishes all the world success with all forms of mathematics.

Posted by: Sherry on Wednesday, 05 October 2011
Hi Marlene--sorry to hear you're struggling so much with this test. If you're concerned, I would definitely consult with a professional which can help you determine if further testing might be called for. You might also find it helpful to check out our LD Checklist of Signs and Symptoms (http://www.ncld.org/publications-a-more/checklists-worksheets-a-forms/ld-checklist-of-signs-and-symptoms).

Posted by: Kaleigh (NCLD Staff) on Wednesday, 28 September 2011
i had it all my life and struggled with word problems, it took me a long time to do long division and i used to get D's and F's in algebra. i could not understand geometry at all because they did not have RSP when i was in school. so instead they kept saying "you are not applying yourself," and kept making me repeat the class. it wasn't until i went to college that i was tested for learning disabilities and found out that was the problem. my degree was in art, so i was able to petition for exception through Disabled Student Services and take an alternative course. i passed the teacher's exam with the help of a tutor who worked with me on alternative ways of doing algebra (with pictures and lines) and teach under an emergency credential besides teaching private art classes. when i took the test i drew all kinds of pictures on the test and counted on my fingers. but i passed. don't let a learning difference stop you from getting your education and don't be ashamed. you can make it.

Posted by: Sarai on Tuesday, 27 September 2011
Hi. I am an experienced art teacher and classroom teacher.I went back to graduate school to get certified in special education and so get a job, after a long hall of unemployment. All went great, got A s. I seem to learn different and need to rely on a strong visual memory to compensate for poor sequential auditory abilities.Well here comes the MTELS.To get licensed I need to pass a pretty hard math exam. I have taken it three times and the more I learn, the lower grade I get on the exam. I have been tutored and have studied at an intense level. Could it be possible I have a math learning disability? Have avoided math since junior high school.Should I get tested?Feeling like a failure around this.

Posted by: Marlene P. on Tuesday, 27 September 2011
Re: posting by bad hat Oct. 25,2010......I just wanted to say I have been in the same boat for years-literally, and that is why I never pressed on with a college education. My learning style is that I pick up concepts slowly, and have felt that I could could have done fairly well...if only I could put the math issue behind me!! I am 47 yrs old, and feel I've missed out on a great/excellent career path becasue I've felt in-adequate all these years due to a disability I didn't realize I had, including ADD. I would like to believe it's not to late for me....but getting any type of help, or testing for Math would feel like taking a trip to the moon- almost impossible. I still cringe or want to run away at the thought of having to solve anything with Algebra or higher math concepts.

Posted by: Jamie on Thursday, 22 September 2011
Whoa. I think this is what I have. That explains why I avoid math like the plague and the calculator is my best friend. Guess this also why I'm always called stupid and useless. :(

Posted by: Athena on Wednesday, 21 September 2011
Jan, I too am a nurse and as I have aged have noticed problems with reading and focusing. You may want to see a licensed clinical social work counselor trained in testing for dylexia with numbers and exercises to modify this. Also there are office supply places that carry magnifying plastic page covers. You could make a copy of the page you are working on then highlight those areas you need your eye to focus on and apply the magnifier sheet. You are not alone in such a disability and can get help. There are all kinds of web sites out there to help people with functional disabilities. When I had done some research for helping nursing students with ADD is when I found them. FYI This company can add an auditory helper on the RE Captcha blocker to help those with reading dyslexias. I have seen this on other sites that use this spam blocker.

Posted by: Nancy Mendoza on Friday, 09 September 2011
Hi Jan...we put the reCaptcha on because we were having a problem with getting a lot of spam comments. Can you let me know what specific problem it's causing for you to post? Are the letters difficult to read? We're always trying to improve the website and want to fix any problems you or other readers might be having!

Posted by: Kaleigh (NCLD Staff) on Wednesday, 31 August 2011
Well all my life I have avoided numbers, math and any kind of calculations. Now in my nursing career I am being challenged. I am a case manager and have to evaluate patients to see if they meet criteria to be in the hospital. We recently started using a new criteria book. It has numbers and symbols all over it in very small print. I cannot even look at it it is making me physically sick. I purchased colored rulers suggested to help (just made the paper pretty) I am freaking out now, I may not be able to do my job any more. My HR people are telling me I need an actual note to prove I have this disorder. I have no idea how to get it or who to turn to. Medical Dr.s are not trained to evaluate people for this. Any ideas or reccomendations are appreciated. I live in New Mexico.

Posted by: Jan Chester on Tuesday, 30 August 2011
I have always had difficulty with math concepts. I can remember in third grade being given special permission to have a workbook when none of the other kids did because I just couldn't get it. I usually just failed all of my math classes through middle school. I can remember my high school math instructor after having to re-take his math class for summer school, he told me "promise you will never take math again" and gave me a C- to get me through the grade. I was actually diagnosed with "numbers dyslexia" in my first year of JR college in 1992. I was in a special ed class and was tested then. I then went on to nursing school and for pharmacology got to use a calculator.

Posted by: Jan on Tuesday, 30 August 2011
I have touble with math, my mother got the german measle carrying me. Now I may have to disclose my weakness's at work.

Posted by: Bobphil9 on Wednesday, 24 August 2011
I have a thirteen year old with Dyscalculia. I've homeschooled for many years as I was not happy with the public education system. This year my children are going back to public school as I've moved back to Canada from the US and found one to be very innovative. I'm doing a blended education program and will continue to work at home with my kids on certain subjects while allowing the school to take on others. It allows me to continue on teaching my daughter math as we've developed a very good strategy together and she strusts me to not push her beyond her own sense of ability.

Posted by: Michelle on Saturday, 20 August 2011
Hi Madison--if your daughter is still in school, I would start with speaking to her teacher and/or the special education coordinator at her school. If your daughter is no longer in school, I would contact your local chapter of the Learning Disabilities Association to find professionals or testing centers in your area. You can use our Resource Locator (http://www.ncld.org/resource-locator)to find your local chapter of the LDA and other resources in your area.

Posted by: Kaleigh (NCLD Staff) on Friday, 12 August 2011
Thanks for writing an article about this. I think that my child has it, but She wasn't diagnosed. Where can you get diagnosed for it in Minnesota?

Posted by: Madison on Tuesday, 09 August 2011
I've been trying to get proper math instruction for my son for 9 years, since he was diagnosed with dyscalculia in 2nd grade. Despite years of intensive tutoring and time and a half on math tests, my son has failed math classes--or earned Ds. I have contacted many special ed and math departments of the major universities for advice on programs and instructors to assist us, but to no avail. Repeatedly, my son's teachers have told him they don't know how to help him. Any articles I've read offer only 'Band Aid' interventions to this very serious problem. My son is a very strong student in all other areas. Now, he is faced with applying to colleges that are not strong in his areas of ability (the social sciences), because he can't do math! The education system has failed to support him in math, as much as he yearned for support, and now the system will deny him the opportunity to pursue quality studies in his areas of strength. There has got to be a better future for people with dyscalculia!

Posted by: Ann on Thursday, 28 July 2011
Hi Kristen, I hope our site has been helpful to you in learning more about dyscalculia. One tool to help you think about your own learning if you might have symptoms of LD is our LD Checklist, available online at http://www.ncld.org/publications-a-more/checklists-worksheets-a-forms/ld-checklist-of-signs-and-symptoms. You can go through the "High School and Adult" section and see what applies to you. The checklist does not diagnose LD or pinpoint specific LD, but it is a really helpful guide as you think more about your learning and if you want to consult a professional for an evaluation.

Posted by: Kaleigh (NCLD Staff) on Tuesday, 26 July 2011
I'm a college student, and ever since I heard of this condition, I've been wondering if I have it. I don't really struggle with doing advanced math, my main struggle is I tend to flip numbers or put them in the wrong order and I have no concept of time or direction. In my case, it feels more like dyslexia with numbers (as the condition is usually described), however, I don't seem to have this issue with words at all. I guess I came looking for more information.

Posted by: Kristen on Monday, 25 July 2011
Ashley--I'm sorry to hear math is such a struggle for you. Plenty of people with LD share your frustration with others writing them off as "lazy" or "unintelligent" because they struggle with certain parts of learning. The truth is that LD is a neurological disorder--having LD does NOT mean a person is lazy, unmotivated, or not smart. Many people struggle with math in the same way you do...you are definitely not alone! If you are finding that a lot of the warning signs of dyscalculia "sound like you", you may want to consult with a professional. Have you ever talked to a guidance counselor or learning specialist at school? Perhaps you could share some of the information from our site with your parents and adults at school. Some people may not be familiar with dyscalculia and this could help you share your concerns.

Posted by: Kaleigh (NCLD Staff) on Friday, 22 July 2011
Hello everyone, I have been reading about this issue for a few days now and I think I may have dyscalculia (of course I have to get tested first). This site has really helped me. I have been struggling with college math for a long time and I want to really correct this problem.

Posted by: Ebony on Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Im going into my third year of high school. Ever since sixth grade, when I suddenly dropped off the Gold Honor Roll, I've been struggling to get to the next grade. My biggest problem is math, where if you ask me a basic question (say 7x4) it can take me up to a full minute to answer if you don't prod me along, or if im sincerely trying to answer correctly. I also have trouble with left and right, north and south, concentrating, and time. My only real options at this point are dropping out, not going to a college, or if I do, a community college. The worst thing about this whole situation is, most people that know me say im very intelligent. This is the reason my parents and teachers did'nt consider the fact that I could be mentally disabled. They just think Im lazy.Can someone tell me if this is not an uncommon occurrence? Hopefully this article is the proof I need to get help.

Posted by: Ashley on Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Im going into my third year of high school. Ever since sixth grade, when I suddenly dropped off the Gold Honor Roll, I've been struggling to get to the next grade. My biggest problem is math, where if you ask me a basic question (say 7x4) it can take me up to a full minute to answer if you don't prod me along, or if im sincerely trying to answer correctly. I also have trouble with left and right, north and south, concentrating, and time. My only real options at this point are dropping out, not going to a college, or if I do, a community college. The worst thing about this whole situation is, most people that know me say im very intelligent. This is the reason my parents and teachers did'nt consider the fact that I could be mentally disabled. They just think Im lazy.Can someone tell me if this is not an uncommon occurrence? Hopefully this article is the proof I need to get help.

Posted by: Ashley on Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Im going into my third year of high school. Ever since sixth grade, when I suddenly dropped off the Gold Honor Roll, I've been struggling to get to the next grade. My biggest problem is math, where if you ask me a basic question (say 7x4) it can take me up to a full minute to answer if you don't prod me along, or if im sincerely trying to answer correctly. I also have trouble with left and right, north and south, concentrating, and time. My only real options at this point are dropping out, not going to a college, or if I do, a community college.The worst thing about this whole situation is, most people that know me say im very intelligent. This is the reason my parents and teachers did'nt consider the fact that I could be mentally disabled. They just think Im lazy.Can someone tell me if this is not an uncommon occurrence? Hopefully this article is the proof I need to get help.

Posted by: Ashley on Wednesday, 20 July 2011
What Is Dyscalculia?
I am an adult midfity struggling to pass a math course.I took so many overcoming math anxiety courses, basic math.PLEASESOMEONE tell me where i can go overcome this problem. Thanks.

Posted by: marlin magee on Monday, 14 February 2011
What Is Dyscalculia?
Please if you child is having problems with math try the program Excel Math excelmath.com I don't have any connections with this company!!!! It is helping my child in math sooooooo much ...she has a learning disability in math. I am also a special education teacher....it is a cheap program to buy, and to be honest the school is not going to do much for math since the focus is always on reading.

Posted by: Kelly Gueli on Thursday, 27 January 2011
What Is Dyscalculia?
To bad hat, Please don't give up. I am also college student in 50's. My school has a great student services dept. They have resources which have been invaluable. I have ADD and now am being tested for dyscalculia. The dyscalculia testing is through our state labor dept (which is very little cost to me). Check with your school to see what resources are available. I am so blessed to have a son who can explain things to me in a way that makes sense and also had fantastic math teachers. If I can do it you can too! In our student support center they have a library of old instructional video tapes. I checked them out -- you can stop and start the tape in your trouble spots. There may be better online resources available also, Good Luck!

Posted by: Kathy Smith on Friday, 14 January 2011
Dyscalculia
To Melissa the Kennel Attendant. Do you have a community college in your area? If so, have you contacted a counselor to see if there is a program for students with learning disabilities. Also, some teaching colleges have remediation clinics where you may be able to find a tutor at a reasonable price. There are also free websites on the internet that may be suited to your learning style. Try AAA Math to brush up on old skills and practice new ones. Good luck.

Posted by: Donna on Wednesday, 08 December 2010
Dyscalculia
I want to address the person who took their son's music and art away to 'help' him with math. Music and art are intrinsically tied to math. If he is musical and artistic, he needs those to help him organize his brain and create a framework for understanding math concepts. It would be better to find a way to use his music and art to create incentive for learning math skills. For example, you can't create a beat without understanding the timing in a piece of music, which is expressed using fractions. Please see the work of Dr. Caroline Leaf to help you understand what is going on in your child's brain.

Posted by: Judy Lyoness on Tuesday, 30 November 2010
Dyscalculia
My grandson is now 13. We have tried everything to help him with his Math. We don't know where to turn. He has had tutors, Montessori school and now the school system has him in 2 Math classes, 2 reading classes(one of which he is there to be helped with organizational skills. They have taken away his music, art, and phy.ed in order to help him.

Posted by: Joan McCoy on Monday, 22 November 2010
Dyscalculia
I'm a 30 year old Kennel Attendant at the local veterinary hospital who suffers from dyscalculia and has all of my life. I also have had Cerebral Palsy from birth. Even basic math operations and their appropriate use were hard concepts for me to learn and still present problems for me today when a complex mathematic equation or formula is presented to me. I would give anything to unlock an ability to do mathematics and understand the reasoning necessary to correctly and accurately perform the operations in an equation or formula. I believe that my inability could be the key to what is holding me back in my career path aspirations. I aspire to the rank of veterinary assistant, but have been mired at the level of basic function designated to a kennel staffer for going on 6 years now. I really want to advance and build confidence in my abilities, but need input on how I can either adapt to or compromise with my level of ability in mathematics to accomplish my goals.

Posted by: Melissa on Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Dyscalculia
PLEASE PLEASE is there anyplace in NYC to go for help ?

Posted by: John on Tuesday, 09 November 2010
Dyscalculia
I have discalculia. I`m an adult college studdent, mid 50s with a 3.76 GPA. I understand basic math, but am unable to grasp more advanced concepts. Every time I sit down and try to study tables and formulas, I get very bad headaches, I breathe heavy, get heart palpitations, and a dry mouth.I`ve been to tutoring, but it made me even more confused. I`ve taken remedial math twice and failed the COMPASS test once until I dropped the math recently. I know that I will never graduate.

Posted by: bad hat on Monday, 25 October 2010
Dyscalculia
Thank you for this information. I believe my 10 year old son suffers with this condition.

Posted by: Carol on Wednesday, 15 September 2010
Dyscalculia
I have taught a class of university students in Dallas, Texas, and most of the students seemed to face lots of problems in basic math. The students are over 20 years old. being very blank or with limited math skills, can we classify this within the domain of dyscalculia

Posted by: AJUH JOSHUA FON on Monday, 16 August 2010
Dyscalculia
Thank you so much for sharing your information. I am designing a module on understanding diversity. This was a clear explanation with specific first steps a parent or teacher could use when considering this type of learning disability. I found the website in Wood's 2004 Teaching students in inclusive settings.

Posted by: Nancy on Sunday, 30 May 2010

We invite your comments on this article, but we are unable to answer personal questions. If you have a question, you may find these LD.org resources helpful: Resource Locator; LD Basics section; Frequently Asked Questions.

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