by Karen Rogers

Created on: September 14, 2008   Last Updated: June 14, 2010

Mathematics is a foreign language to a child struggling with dyscalculia. The symbols cannot be translated and the difference between 63 and 36 has no meaning.

Dyscalculia is a learning disability that causes severe difficulties in math and affects children and adults. This article will concentrate on dyscalculia in children. Mathematics, as with a foreign language, starts with basic words and concepts and, after those are learned and understood, adds increasingly difficult material. If a child can't master chapter one concepts and problems, he or she will not be able to learn the lessons contained in chapter two. A child who has difficulty with 3 + 4 = 7 will not be able to understand that 3 x 4 = 12. Children afflicted with dyscalculia may not be able to tell time, have difficulty with directions, or not be able to give back correct change.

There are three aspects a child must have in order to be successful in mathematics: foundation skills, mathematical skills, and knowledge.

Foundation skills include recognizing number shapes (visual perception), remembering what number look like (visual memory), and having the logical thinking skills needed to solve problems.

Mathematical skills must be learned so that the child is able to do math problems. These skills include being able to count, and to carry out basic operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

Knowledge of basic math symbols, definitions, terms and theories must be learned and memorized. For example, the child must know that the symbol < 5 can be determined.

A trained professional will first test and assess the child to determine which mathematical skills the dyscalculia is affecting, and then design an appropriate treatment program.

A foundation skills treatment program will focus on helping the child understand and master basic math concepts. Lessons will include learning the shapes of number, and being able to mentally recall those numbers and shapes at will. Basic problem solving exercises will be introduced to help teach logical thinking skills.

For a child whose dyscalculia affects mathematical skills, the treatment program will go back to the basics. The child will learn to count and will not be advanced until this essential skill is thoroughly mastered. After that, the child will learn and memorize addition and subtraction tables, and then advance to multiplication and division tables.

A mathematical knowledge treatment program will center on helping the child recognize math symbols, such as <, and what each symbol means. The child will also have the opportunity to get a firm grasp of mathematical definitions, basic theories and terms.

Parent can also become involved with their child's treatment program and can do wonders to help rebuild their child's self-esteem. When helping your child, make sure he or she understands the math problem before they start. If needed, give the child extra time to complete the problem before moving on to the next. If they're struggling with a math problem, have them first explain what type of problem (addition, subtraction, etc.) it is and what steps they will take to solve it. For word problems, read the problem out loud to the child to be sure he or she understands what information is needed to solve the problem.

With time and a proper treatment program, a child can come to terms with and overcome dyscalculia and successfully decipher the language of mathematics.

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