Dyscalculia (patient information)

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Editor-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S.,M.D. [mailto:mgibson@perfuse.org] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan, M.B.B.S.

Synonyms and Keywords: Mathematics disorder

Overview
Mathematics disorder is a condition in which a child's math ability is far below normal for their age, intelligence, and education.

What are the symptoms of Dyscalculia?

 * Early difficulties with arithmetic are noticed, as well as low scores in math classes and tests


 * Some of the problems seen include:
 * Trouble with reading, writing, and copying numbers
 * Problems counting and adding numbers, often making simple mistakes
 * Difficulty telling the difference between addition and subtraction
 * Problems understanding math symbols and word problems
 * Unable to line up numbers properly to add, subtract, or multiply
 * Unable to arrange numbers from smallest to largest, or the opposite
 * Unable to understand graphs

What causes Dyscalculia?

 * Children who have mathematics disorder may have trouble performing simple mathematical equations, such as counting and adding.


 * Mathematical disorder may appear with:
 * Developmental coordination disorder
 * Mixed receptive-expressive language disorder
 * Reading disorder

When to seek urgent medical care?
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have any concerns about your child's development.

Diagnosis

 * Standardized tests can assess the child's math ability.
 * Grades and class performance can also help.

Treatment options

 * The best treatment is remedial education.
 * Other programs that have been successful include Project Math and teaching computer skills.

Where to find medical care for Dyscalculia?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Dyscalculia

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Early intervention improves the chances of a better outcome.

Possible complications

 * The child may have problems in school, including behavior problems and loss of self-esteem.


 * Some children with mathematics disorder become anxious or afraid when given math problems, making the problem even worse.

Prevention

 * Affected families should make every effort to recognize existing problems early.


 * Intervention may begin as early as kindergarten or elementary school.

Source
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001534.htm