According to the Dyslexia Association, Dyscalculia is not the same as maths anxiety, but people with dyscalculia can react strongly to activities involving mathematics, for instance they may get upset or frustrated when playing board games.

Though research on prevalence is limited, it’s estimated that between 5 and 7% of elementary school aged children may have dyscalculia, says the Child Mind Institute. They also note that dyscalculia is thought to occur equally in both genders.

All people can occasionally struggle with math, but those with dyscalculia struggle to a greater degree than their peers, and their difficulties will continue over time.

Signs of this disorder can vary with age, but here are those the Dyslexia Association listed for primary school age children:

Has difficulty learning and recalling basic number facts such as number bonds, e.g. 6 + 4 = 10.

Still uses fingers to count instead of using more advanced strategies (like mental maths)
Poor understanding of the signs +, -, xx and x or may confuse these mathematical symbols
Struggles to recognise that 3 + 5 is the same as 5 + 3 or may not be able to solve 3 + 26 ‒ 26 without calculating
Has trouble with place value, often putting numbers in the wrong column.
May not understand maths language or be able to devise a plan to solve a maths problem.
Finds it difficult to understand maths phrases like greater than and less than
Has trouble keeping score in sports or games
Has difficulty working out the total cost of items and can run out of money
May avoid situations that require understanding numbers, like playing games that involve maths.

I’m experienced in working with both children and adults who have this disorder. Contact me at nancy.kachursky@rteseduc.com.