The Numbers Battle: Dyscalculia and Its Solutions

At some point, many of us have wondered why we need to learn it because it does not seem to have any practical use in real life. That’s because we fail to realize that the logic behind it is the name of the game. The challenge found in comprehending an algebraic expression, for example, teaches one to become more analytical and skillful in problem solving of any nature, not just mathematical, which means it actually does help us in real life—just not directly.

Difficulty in learning math is normal, but when it seems severely impossible to understand even the basic ones, it may have underlying and serious issue which may already be “Dyscalculia.” This term is understood as a brain condition where one finds it hard to get math or number concepts and usually occur to kids and some adults. The disorder has been called a “math disorder” and “math disability”; in some cases, it’s simply labeled as a subtype of dyslexia. Dyscalculia is not popularly recognized in some countries yet, in Singapore for example, there is minimal awareness about this condition alone because it is closely similar to dyslexia or ADHD. Persons with such disorder have higher chances of developing dyscalculia as it can be a co-existing condition.

Symptoms occur in varying levels and at different school ages, such as kindergarten, grade school/middle school and high school. Warning signs can be very specific to each level, but inability to understand basic mathematical concepts is its clearest indicator. Diagnosis on the other hand, require professional interventions such as attending a medical exam with pediatrician or physician, assessment with an educational professional, consulting with a psychologist, observation from teachers and putting all recommendations or observations together.

If diagnosed with dyscalculia, there are solutions that can come from professionals and at home to combat the battle of learning. These must be consistent and according to the care plan support of the child in order to receive relevant amount of progress.

Professional Help:

• Teacher or Tutor: If your love one has been identified with Dyscalculia, it is best to coordinate with the school involving their teachers to come up and implement a support plan and accommodation. This includes special attention and intervention through one on one instruction or in small groups, depending on the level of difficulty. Moreover, informal support from their teachers would be of big assistance, set up a meeting with their instructors and reach strategies that can further help and monitor the affected person’s progress.

• Psychologist: It is unavoidable that Dyscalculia can take a toll on someone’s self-esteem and perception that depression may start to kick in. It is helpful to reach a Psychologist or mental health professional to help you and your love one manage the stress it brings.

At Home

• Parents: Support starts from home and there could nothing be more valuable than getting understood by the ones they live with. Parents can reach out to some advocates who are parents themselves and get educated on how to manage Dyscalculia through strategies and parental ways that can be done at home. If strategies do not work the first time, no need to panic. There is more to learn and apply. Knowing the child or diagnosed person further is the key on how to come up with more creative and customized programs.

The takeaway is to learn more about your love one’s condition. It is as difficult but there are more available help out there to make it.