What is Dyscalculia?

A specific learning difficulty in mathematics is a set of processing difficulties that affects the acquisition of arithmetic and other areas of mathematics.

In dyscalculia, the most commonly observed cognitive impairment is a pronounced and persistent difficulty with numerical magnitude processing and understanding, that presents in age related difficulties in naming, ordering and comparing physical quantities and numbers, estimating and place value.

Those with maths learning difficulties or dyscalculia, often experience maths anxiety, although this is not an indicator of a specific learning difficulty in itself.

What is a Diagnostic Assessment?

A Diagnostic Assessment for dyscalculia is a series of short tasks to assess the individual’s level of general ability, working memory, speed of processing and phonological knowledge as well as several timed and untimed maths tasks, to assess mathematical knowledge and procedure.

Background information is sought from parents/carers and, with your permission, from the school and an eye test must have occurred within the last 12 months.

The Report will identify areas of strength as well as specific areas of general and mathematical difficulty and will provide detailed recommendations for home and school. 

A covering letter, outlining the key points of the report, can be provided for the SENCo if requested, at no extra cost.

An assessment is not a guarantee of a diagnosis. If this is the case, the report will emphasise the areas of difficulty experienced and detailed recommendations for both home and school

Other Resources

Here are some other useful links:

British Dyslexia Association (covers Dyscalculia)