Far too often, children and adults alike say, “I can’t do math.” The truth is, anyone can learn math if they have the right practices and learning aids in place. Those who believe they are unable to understand and/or perform mathematical operations likely have dyscalculia, a specific learning disability.
Dyscalculia is a learning disability that affects one’s ability to learn mathematics, as compared to same age peers who receive identical instruction. It may cause difficulty with counting, working memory for numbers, ability to recognize patterns, time, sense of direction, estimation of distance and volume, math facts, and procedures. Dyscalculia is a lifelong condition that can impact academic and economic progress as well as self-esteem.
Dyscalculia can be classified as a disability under both the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which may qualify them to receive accommodations in school via an IEP.
This math learning disability is prevalent in classrooms around the world, yet dyscalculia is not nearly as well-known as dyslexia.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6440373/
https://helda.helsinki.fi/bitstream/handle/10138/333257/feduc_06_683672.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
While research on this math learning disability is still decades behind where it should be, we do have a better understanding of the common signs of dyscalculia. Students with dyscalculia may exhibit one or more of the symptoms:
Dyscalculia is more than a learning disorder that makes it difficult for students to complete mathematical computations. Without the right practices and tools in place to help in the classroom, students and adults with dyscalculia may face some of the following:
TouchMath is an evidence based, multi-sensory approach to mathematics that can help students when other learning solutions fail. If a student suffers from dyscalculia, they can still succeed in mathematics.
The TouchMath program is grounded in the Concrete-Representational-Abstract continuum, a sequence of instructional practices and research-based best practices that reflect how most students learn. As students see, say, hear and touch using our signature TouchPoints™ on the numerals, they easily make the connection between the numeral and the quantity it represents.
Want more information about how TouchMath can help any student build strong foundational math skills?
TouchMath is a multisensory math program that makes critical math concepts appealing and accessible for students who struggle to understand grade-level content. TouchMath is committed to maximizing student potential through its worldwide delivery of hands-on math programs, cultivating success with individuals of all abilities and learning styles.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter