Understanding dyscalculia
Dyscalculia and wider mathematical learning difficulties.
Conditions and profiles
Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia concerns difficulties with understanding and working with numbers. It is useful to separate this from wider maths difficulties and the effect of anxiety or learning opportunities.
The British Dyslexia Association distinguishes dyscalculia from the broader category of mathematical learning difficulties. Understanding quantities, comparing numbers, estimating and place value can be affected. The impact varies across people and stages of life.
Finding maths difficult is a reason to explore support, but it does not by itself show that someone has dyscalculia.
Number difficulties may affect budgeting, checking prices, time planning, measuring or estimating journeys. These are practical barriers, not just classroom problems.
- Note which number-based tasks are difficult and which ways of presenting information are easier for you.
- Use those examples in a conversation with a teacher, learning-support adviser or workplace support contact.
An informal assessment can help identify learning needs. Screening may indicate that a fuller investigation would be useful. A diagnostic assessment needs appropriately qualified expertise in dyscalculia; dyslexia assessment training alone is not necessarily sufficient.
Check the assessor’s qualifications and ask whether the report will contain individual support recommendations. Use the current BDA guidance when choosing an assessor.
The BDA helpline covers dyscalculia as well as dyslexia. It can signpost information for learners, adults and supporters. Use the education or workplace routes below to explore support in the setting that matters to you.
Resource library
All Dyscalculia sources
4 resources
Maths difficulties in adult life
How number difficulties can affect daily tasks.
Assessment for dyscalculia
Screening, diagnostic assessment and assessor qualifications.
Dyslexia and dyscalculia helpline
Information for individuals, families and supporters.
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