Definition:
"Dyscalculia is a brain-based condition that makes it hard to make sense of numbers and math concepts. Dyscalculia can affect many different areas of math learning and performance. Different kids have different challenges. This disability is also called number blindness."
(Understanding Dyscalculia, 2014)
(Understanding Dyscalculia, 2014)
Eligibility: |
Facts: |
"The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV), which is the standard US psychiatric handbook, gives the following diagnostic criteria for Dyscalculia:
Mathematical ability, as measured by individually administered standardized tests, is substantially below that expected given the person's chronological age, measured intelligence, and age appropriate education, which significantly interferes with academic achievement or activities of daily living that require mathematical ability." (American Psychiatric Association, 1994, Section 315.1). Using this definition can be a little difficult because children may be falling behind in math for different reasons other than dyscalculia. Another definition that can be used is given by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES 2001): "A condition that affects the ability to acquire arithmetical skills. Dyscalculic learners may have difficulty understanding simple number concepts, lack an intuitive grasp of numbers, and have problems learning number facts and procedures. Even if they produce a correct answer or use a correct method, they may do so mechanically and without confidence." |
Diagnosis:Because there is no known cause the only way to diagnosis a student with dyscalculia is if they are falling behind in math. However, this can be a problem because a student can be falling behind in math for a lot of different reasons such as: in adequate instruction, lack of motivation, attentional disorders, or anxiety disorders.
(http://www.aboutdyscalculia.org/identification.html) Once a student is flagged for falling behind in math they may be screened for dyscalculia through an online screening. This screening is a test that can be taken and help determine is someone has dyscalculia. |
Causes:
There is no known cause to dyscalculia, but it is believed to be something people are born with.
(Dyscalculia: Key Facts for Parents, 2002)
(Dyscalculia: Key Facts for Parents, 2002)
Characteristics:
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Adaptations:
Accommodations:
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Modifactions:
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Common Struggles |
Students with dyscalculia have problems with the most basic parts of arithmetic. A dyscalculia child may struggle with some or all of the following activities.
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Scenarios
1. You have a student in your classroom who struggles with writing numbers. When the student writes the numbers, they do not line up and they are very hard to read. In a situation like this the teacher can provide graph paper for the student and prewrite the problems on the graph paper for the student to solve. This ensures the problems are lined up and they are easy to read for the student to solve.
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2. You have a student in your classroom who struggles with number facts. To help this student you can allow for them to use a calculator in order to complete the problems. Another idea would be to help the student see patterns.
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Resources for Families:
- http://www.mathematicalbrain.com
- http://www.dyscalculia.org
- http://www.dyscalculia.me.uk/index.html
- http://www.aboutdyscalculia.org/resources.html
- http://www.oecd.org/edu/ceri/dyscalculiaprimerandresourceguide.htm
Children's Books:
- Dyscalculia: Action Plans for Successful Learning Mathematics by: Glynis Hannell
- Dyscalculia: An Essential Guide for Parents by: Stephanie Glen
- The Dyscalculia Toolkit: Supporting Learning Difficulties in Maths by: Ronit Bird
- The Dyscalculia Assessment by: Jane Emerson and Patricia Babtie
- The Thirteenth Winter: A Memoir by Samantha Abeel
Simulation:
References:
American Psychiatric Association (1994). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edn): Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.
DfES (2001). Guidance to Support Pupils with Dyslexia and Dyscalculia (DfES 0512/2001). London: Department for Education and Skills.
Dyscalculia. (2015, January 1). Retrieved from http://ldaamerica.org/types-of-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia/
Dyscalculia: Key Facts for Parents. (2002, May). Retrieved from http://www.mathematicalbrain.com/pdf/NFER.pdf
Dyscalculia: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.learninginfo.org/dyscalculia.htm
Understanding Dyscalculia. (2014, March 10). Retrieved from https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia/understanding-dyscalculia
Wilson, A. (2012). Www.aboutdyscalculia.org. Retrieved from http://www.aboutdyscalculia.org/identification.html
DfES (2001). Guidance to Support Pupils with Dyslexia and Dyscalculia (DfES 0512/2001). London: Department for Education and Skills.
Dyscalculia. (2015, January 1). Retrieved from http://ldaamerica.org/types-of-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia/
Dyscalculia: Key Facts for Parents. (2002, May). Retrieved from http://www.mathematicalbrain.com/pdf/NFER.pdf
Dyscalculia: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.learninginfo.org/dyscalculia.htm
Understanding Dyscalculia. (2014, March 10). Retrieved from https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia/understanding-dyscalculia
Wilson, A. (2012). Www.aboutdyscalculia.org. Retrieved from http://www.aboutdyscalculia.org/identification.html