What is Dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia is a specific learning disability that makes understanding and working with numbers more difficult. It affects about 4% of the population and often manifests as struggles with basic arithmetic—such as addition or subtraction. Like dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyspraxia, it arises from unique brain wiring.
Famous People with Dyscalculia
- Robbie Williams (singer)
- Bill Gates (entrepreneur)
- Daniel Radcliffe (actor)
- Orlando Bloom (actor)
Traits of Dyscalculia
- Using fingers to count – The person may rely on fingers even for simple sums, because it’s hard to remember number facts.
- Driving too fast or too slowly – They might struggle to judge speed, distance, or how long something will take, which can affect driving.
- Frequent lateness for appointments – Telling time, reading clocks, or understanding how long a journey will take can be confusing, leading to lateness.
- Getting confused with directions – Left, right, and following sequences or steps can be confusing.
Strengths & Challenges associated with Dyscalculia
Strengths
- Creativity and artistic talent
- Strong strategic and lateral thinking
- Excellent verbal communication
- Innovative problem solving
- Holistic, big-picture approach
- Strengths in art, music, design, architecture and engineering
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Challenges
- Difficulty grasping numerical values, weights or distances
- Struggles with mental arithmetic
- Inability to calculate change when paying
- Difficulty telling the time
- Poor numeric memory
Helpful tips for the individual
- Use a sat-nav or map app – This helps with directions and timing.
- Practise travel times – Do trial runs for regular routes (e.g., to work or appointments).
- Use contactless payment – This reduces stress about counting change.
- Pre-write shopping lists with prices – Helps to track spending.
- Use digital clocks – These are often easier to read than analogue ones.
- Set reminders and alarms – Use phones or visual timetables to support punctuality.
- Create clear daily routines – Having a regular schedule reduces confusion about time.
Helpful tips for educators and employers
- Use visual aids – Charts, number lines, and diagrams can help make number concepts clearer.
- Break tasks into steps – Give instructions one at a time, rather than all at once.
- Allow extra time – Be patient; give more time to complete tasks involving numbers.
- Encourage use of tools – Let them use calculators, apps, or counting aids like beads or blocks without judgement.
- Give reassurance – Praise effort, not just results, to help build confidence.
- Avoid rushing – Pressure can increase anxiety and mistakes.
- Avoid saying “it’s easy” – It might not feel that way to them.
- Check understanding gently – Ask, “Would it help if I show that another way?” rather than “Do you get it?”
Assistive technology resources
- Maths & STEM helpers - Provide visual supports, calculators, and guided steps to make numbers and problem solving easier to understand.