Dyscalculia Learning Disability

Dyscalculia Learning Disability

Dyscalculia is a lesser known but a specific learning disability associated with difficulties in Mathematics. These difficulties normally vary from person to person. Mathematical problems related with Dyscalculia. Individuals who suffer from Dyscalculia are of normal intelligence.

The term of Dys in Greek means "badly" and Calculia in Latin means "to count", this adds up to “counting badly”.

Recent research suggests that dyscalculia can also occur developmentally, as a genetically-linked learning disability which affects a person's ability to understand, remember, and manipulate numbers. Some educational specialists label individuals with any sort of mathematical difficulty as having Dyscalculia, as this learning disability cannot be assessed reliably and has no clear-cut criteria.

Since disabilities involving math can be so different, the effects they have on a person's development can be just as different. For instance, a person who has trouble processing language will face different challenges in math than a person who has difficulty with visual- spatial relationships. Another person with trouble remembering facts and keeping a sequence of steps in order will have yet a different set of math-related challenges to overcome.

Symptoms of Dyscalculia

Good at speaking, reading, and writing, but slow to develop counting and math problem-solving skills.

Good memory for printed words, but difficulty reading numbers, or recalling numbers in sequence.

Good with general math concepts, but frustrated when specific computation and organization skills need to be used

Trouble with the concept of time-chronically late, difficulty remembering schedules, trouble with approximating how long something will take

Poor sense of direction, easily disoriented and easily confused by changes in routine

Poor long term memory of concepts-can do math functions one day, but is unable to repeat them the next day

Poor mental math ability-trouble estimating grocery costs or counting days until vacation

Difficulty playing strategy games like chess, bridge or role-playing video games.

Recollection of names and faces is poor.

Lose things easily and seem to be absent minded.

Causes of Dyscalculia

To be good in mathematics one has to have the ability to be able to visualize numbers and general math situations.

Weakness in Visual Processing is the most common cause of difficulty in mathematics. Students with this learning disorder often mix up numbers mentally because they lack what it takes to visualize numbers and therefore end up in making "minor mistakes".

Sometimes owing to lack of self-confidence, previous negative experiences etc they develop a fear for mathematics therefore leading to Dyscalculia.

Inability to remember formulas and facts for mathematical calculations are often as a result of having difficulty in organization of detailed information or difficulty in sequencing.

Studies have also indicated that some hereditary or congenital disorders may also be a cause but it is not known for certain yet.

Calculations made difficult owing to reduction or disturbed short-term memory.

It can be due to either of these two factors or a combination of these two factors.

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is the oldest and most fully researched treatment specifically developed for autism. ABA is a very intensive system of reward-based training which focuses on teaching particular skills. If any autism-specific therapy is offered by your school and/or covered by your insurance, this will probably be the one.

Speech Therapy

Almost all people with autism have issues with speech and language. Sometimes these issues are obvious; many people with autism are non-verbal or use speech very poorly. Sometimes the issues relate not to articulation or grammar but to "speech pragmatics" (the use of speech to build social relationships). Across the board, though, speech and language therapy is likely to be helpful for people with autism.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy focuses on building daily living skills. Since many people with autism have delays in fine motor skills, occupational therapy can be very important. Occupational therapists may also have training in sensory integration therapy - a technique which may help autistic people manage hypersensitivity to sound, light, and touch.

Social Skills Therapy

One of autism's "core deficits" is a lack of social and communication skills. Many children with autism need help in building the skills they need to hold a conversation, connect with a new friend, or even navigate the playground. Social skills therapists can help out setting up and facilitating peer-based social interaction.

Physical Therapy

Autism is a "pervasive developmental delay." Many autistic people have gross motor delays, and some have low muscle tone (they're unusually weak). Physical therapy can build up strength, coordination, and basic sports skills.

Play Therapy

Strange as it may sound, children with autism need help learning to play. And play can also serve as a tool for building speech, communication, and social skills. Play therapists may have training in particular therapeutic techniques such as Floor time or The Play Project - or they may incorporate play therapy into speech, occupational or physical therapy.

Behavior Therapy

Children with autism are often frustrated. They are misunderstood, have a tough time communicating their needs, suffer from hypersensitivities to sound, light and touch ... no wonder they sometimes act out! Behavior therapists are trained to figure out just what lies behind negative behaviors, and to recommend changes to the environment and routines to improve behavior.

Developmental Therapies

Floor time, Son-rise, and Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) are all considered to be "developmental treatments." This means that they build from a child's own interests, strengths and developmental level to increase emotional, social and intellectual abilities. Developmental therapies are often contrasted to behavioral therapies, which are best used to teach specific skills such as shoe tying, tooth brushing, etc.

Visually-Based Therapies

Many people with autism are visual thinkers. Some do very well with picture-based communication systems such as PECS (Picture Exchange Communication). Video modeling, video games and electronic communication systems also tap into autistic people's visual strength to build skills and communication.

Biomedical Therapies

Biomedical treatments may include pharmaceuticals, but most often biomedical treatments for autism are based on the DAN approach to autism therapy. Doctors trained in the DAN, "protocol" are likely to prescribe special diets, supplements, and alternative treatments. None of these treatments have been approved by the FDA or CDC, but there are many anecdotal stories of positive outcomes.