Neurodevelopmental and learning disabilities

Dyscalculia

A learning difference impacting a person's ability to understand and work with numbers and maths concepts.
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About

Dyscalculia is a condition that affects a person’s ability to understand and work with numbers.

It can make tasks like calculating, learning math facts, and understanding concepts of time or money more difficult.

This condition is often invisible.

Many disabilities, including this one, may not have outward signs—people can be significantly impacted even if they appear “fine” on the outside.

Common Challenges

  • Difficulty with basic math calculations (e.g., adding, subtracting, multiplying).
  • Problems with understanding time and deadlines.
  • Trouble handling money, including making change or budgeting.
  • Difficulty with measurements and spatial awareness.
  • Struggling with tasks involving schedules or organizing tasks by numbers or sequences.
  • Anxiety or stress when handling tasks that involve numbers.

Practitioner Help

  • Help the individual find roles that do not heavily rely on math or numerical skills.
  • Offer strategies or tools to reduce math-related stress, such as using calculators or apps.
  • Provide workplace accommodations such as extended time for tasks that require math.
  • Support the participant in learning new ways to manage time or organize tasks, possibly using visual aids or reminders.
  • Encourage regular feedback and check-ins to help with job performance and task management.

Common Accommodations

  • Simplified or verbal instructions for tasks involving numerical data
  • Use calculators or digital tools
  • Time extensions
  • Modified work schedules or reduced workload
  • Job coaching or ongoing support
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Notes

Dyscalculia is not related to intelligence, and individuals with this condition can excel in many areas outside of math.

Early identification and support can improve outcomes for individuals with dyscalculia in both educational and workplace settings.

It’s important to focus on strengths and abilities rather than just difficulties with numbers.

Resources

  • Learning disabilities | healthdirect
  • about-dyscalculia-practice-guidance-fact-sheet.pdf
  • Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia? | Australian Dyslexia Association
  • Dyscalculia-and-Difficulties-with-Mathematics-Tanya-Forbes.pdf
Neurodevelopmental and learning disabilities

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