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So… What Is Dyscalculia? A Closer Look Beyond The Basics

Title artwork So...What is Dyscalculia?

You’ve likely heard of dyslexia — but what happens when numbers just don’t make sense?


🧠 If times tables won’t stick, clocks feel confusing, or number-based tasks cause real stress — dyscalculia may be part of the picture. It’s a specific learning difficulty that affects how someone understands and processes numbers.


Let’s explore what dyscalculia really is (according to SASC, the UK's professional assessment body), how it differs from other maths challenges, and how people of all ages can be supported.



📚 What Does SASC Say?

According to the SASC definition:

“Developmental dyscalculia is a specific and persistent difficulty in understanding numbers which can lead to a diverse range of difficulties with mathematics.”

This includes:

  • Understanding quantity (e.g. that 5 is more than 2)

  • Grasping number relationships (like part-whole or sequencing)

  • Learning number facts or performing calculations

  • Linking numbers to real-world applications, such as money or time


Importantly, dyscalculia is not caused by lack of teaching or general ability — it’s a specific, lifelong difference in how the brain processes numerical information.



🔍 Common and Subtle Signs of Dyscalculia


🧒 In Children

  • Struggles to understand what numbers mean — not just how to use them

  • Difficulty with basic number concepts (like bigger/smaller or before/after)

  • Trouble learning times tables or maths facts, even after lots of practice

  • Avoids games or activities that involve scoring, counting, or time

  • Frequent errors in basic calculation or number copying


🧑‍🎓 In Teenagers and Young Adults

  • Difficulty estimating, budgeting, or comparing quantities

  • Needs to use fingers or a calculator for simple sums

  • Poor time awareness — may struggle with time-tabled days or timed tasks

  • Increased maths anxiety, especially under exam pressure

  • Avoids STEM-related subjects or careers, despite other strengths


💼 In Adults

  • Avoids mental arithmetic, spreadsheets, or numerical tasks at work

  • May misread bus times, miss appointments, or struggle with scheduling

  • Finds it difficult to remember PINs, measurements, or directions

  • Relies on tools (calculators, apps) for basic functions

  • Feels “embarrassed” or “slow” in number-related conversations — despite capability in other areas



🔄 SpLD-Related Maths Difficulties (but not dyscalculia)


It’s important to know that not all maths struggles are dyscalculia. Many people with other SpLDs (like dyslexia, ADHD, or DCD [dyspraxia]) experience mathematics difficulties — sometimes called SpLD Maths.


Common examples:

  • A dyslexic student who finds it hard to read or copy multi-step equations

  • Someone with ADHD who loses track during mental maths due to inattention

  • A person with dyspraxia who has difficulty with spatial layout or aligning columns


These difficulties can affect maths progress but don’t stem from a core difficulty with number sense — which is the defining feature of dyscalculia.


Support is still crucial, but the nature of support may differ.



🌟 Strengths That Often Accompany Dyscalculia


Like other SpLDs, dyscalculia comes with unique ways of thinking — and often, unique strengths.


Individuals may excel in:

  • Verbal reasoning and communication 💬

  • Creativity and storytelling 🎨

  • Empathy and people skills 🤝

  • Big-picture thinking and strategy 🔍


These are assets in school, the workplace, and life.



🛠️ What Support Can Help?


With the right strategies, learners of all ages can build confidence and independence. Helpful approaches include:


  • Multi-sensory and concrete teaching — using objects, visuals, or real-life examples to explore number meaning 🎲

  • Structured, scaffolded learning, broken into small steps 🔢➡️

  • Assistive technology, like calculator apps, maths games, or visual timers 📱

  • Alternative methods of assessment where possible

  • Positive encouragement and focus on progress, not perfection 🎉


🧭 Whether in school, university, training, or employment, targeted support helps remove barriers and unlock potential.



✅ Final Thoughts


Dyscalculia is often misunderstood — sometimes dismissed as “just being bad at maths.” But it’s a real, persistent difficulty, and identification matters. With increased awareness and the right adjustments, people with dyscalculia can succeed on their own terms — not despite their differences, but by working with them.

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