Symptoms of Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia includes different kinds of math difficulties. Observing the child and taking notes are good ways to find the best strategies and supports for the child. Different signs are visible at different ages but tends to become more apparent as the child gets older.
Symptoms in preschool
- Trouble learning to count especially when it comes to assigning each object in a group a number.
- Has trouble recognizing number symbols such as making the connection between “7” and the word
- Struggles to connect a number to real-life situation, such as knowing that “3” can apply to any group that has three things in, 3 cookies, 3 cats, 3 kids, etc.
- Has trouble remembering numbers, and skips numbers long after kids the same age can count numbers and remember them in the right order.
- Find it hard to recognize patterns and sort items by size, shape and colour.
- Avoid playing popular games like Candy Land that involve numbers, count and other math concepts.
Warning signs in primary grades
- Has trouble recognizing numbers and symbols.
- Has difficulty learning and recalling basic math facts, such as 2 + 4 = 6.
- Struggles to identify +, – and other signs and use them correctly.
- May still use fingers to count instead of using more sophisticated strategies.
- Has trouble writing numerals clearly or putting them in the correct column.
- Has trouble coming up with a plan to solve a math problem.
- Struggles to understand words related to math, such as greater than and less than.
- Has trouble telling his left from his right, and has a poor sense of direction.
- Avoids playing games like Risk that involve number strategy.
- Has trouble telling time.
Warning signs in high school
- Struggles to apply math concepts to everyday life, including money matters such as estimating the total cost, making exact change to figuring out a tip.
- Has trouble measuring things, like ingredients in a simple recipe.
- Struggles with finding his way around and worries about getting lost.
- Has hard time grasping information shown on graphs or charts.
- Has trouble finding different approached to the same math problem.
- Lacks confidence in activities that require estimating speed and distance, such as playing sports and learning to drive.