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Time, money, cooking, driving and many other daily activities require an extensive knowledge of basic math skills. If someone has a learning disability in basic math skills (also known as an arithmetic disorder), they are unable to fully grasp the concept of numerical values. They will also have difficulty understanding how numbers relate to each other.

Math disabilities can be easily compounded because so much of its content must be permanently memorized and accurately recalled in order to understand skills such as counting, addition, and subtraction. Non-numerical concepts such as the meanings of symbols and terms used in math also must be introduced to guarantee future success.

The first step in dealing with an arithmetic disorder is to discover how severe the case is, what the child knows, and how the child learns. A diagnostic math test and review of the student's previously completed work can be used to discover what information the child is able to recall. This provides a starting point for both teachers and parents. Evaluations for verbal language, cognitive skills, and receptive language are highly beneficial in discovering which teaching methods should be utilized. These assessments are often performed by an education counselor or psychologist and are available through the education system. Vision, motor skills, and hearing should also be evaluated to eliminate any problems which might complicate teaching methods.

There are several methods available to teach basic math skills. Graphic organizers allow a child to visualize and focus only on significant information required to comprehending a particular concept. Specially Designed Instruction (SDI), which is required and regulated by federal law, is a series of teaching methods designed for each specific case. The student's progress is then continually monitored and the techniques used to educate are constantly modified to encourage further advancement.

The use of physical objects can also be very helpful. This allows the child to visualize concepts. For instance, 1+1=2 becomes one apple plus one apple makes two apples all together. Some children learn best through the use of patterns. When you look at a dice, the dots representing a particular number are placed in a consistent pattern.

It is important that the same concepts and teaching methods be used at home. Talk to the child's teachers to keep up on what he or she has learned and how concepts are being taught. Help the student to practice at home or

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