Last Updated on July 3, 2020 by Editorial Team
MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY NUMBERDYSLEXIA’S MEDICAL REVIEW PANEL ON MAY 24, 2020
Today, we are going to talk about possible dyscalculia treatments. How can an individual overcome the daily struggle of this mathematical disability?
But first, we must know what exactly a dyscalculia is?
Dyscalculia is a life long learning disability affecting a person’s ability to understand numbers and learn math facts. It is seen as the mathematical equivalent to dyslexia and hence, the name – Number Dyslexia. It severely affects the life of a dyscalculic (commonly referred to as a person suffering from dyscalculia). An individual may lose the ability to visually interpret data. In severe cases, Number dyslexia may develop into math phobia.
As the age progresses, it may severely hinder our ability to do day to day calculative tasks. Hence, it’s important that early signs must be identified and necessary counseling be undertaken.
First, let us make it clear that like other learning disabilities, dyscalculia cannot be treated with medication. Rather, specialized learning strategies and strategic accommodations are used to help children and adults with the condition.
The idea is to teach to build the student’s academic strengths and provide accommodations for the disability so that the student with disabilities (in this case, dyscalculia) can be maintained over time at an academic level with his or her peers.
The main goal is to teach calculation techniques and improve the reasoning skills needed to solve math problems. But first, it is necessary that any obstacle hindering down the pace of the child’s math learning process must be eliminated. The focus is to make Maths – a fun to learn subject for the child.
Dyscalculia treatment at academic place
Teachers can play an important role in improving the math learning ability of the child. We noted down some tips that schools must consider while dealing with a dyscalculic student.
Learning Approach: Teachers or personal tutors need to approach differently while teaching maths. A relaxed environment is pretty essential. The child must not be forced to be competitive right away. Give him/her time. The stress of competition can hammer any possible interest in studies, especially maths.
If possible, teachers must work out a special plan with the other school officials for dyscalculics. As they need more time in even basic calculations, more time may be provided for math tests.
Any dyscalculics may find it difficult to learn by seeing a lecture just once. It’s highly recommended to provide them with recorded lectures. Repetitive learning is the key to strongly grip on the subject. Moreover, Teachers’ notes may be provided to ease their life a bit.
Tools and Devices: Several tools and devices can effectively improve number sense. Abacus is one of them. Let them play with it. When they get a good grasp of it, encourage them to solve various maths operations through it. Award them on successful attempts and encourage them to do better on failed to ones.
Let them use calculators in maths tests. When they get comfortable with the calculators, try them to do mental calculations slowly.
Give students individual dry-erase boards to use at their desks. With this tool, students can complete one step of a problem at a time, erasing any mistakes they may make.
Mental support: Encouragement and appreciation for efforts will motivate students to perform further well in the next task. Students dealing with dyscalculia often feel frustrated or embarrassed when asked to do things — like reciting multiplication tables — that are difficult for them, especially during class or when other students are present. Talk to them about it. Encourage them to participate in other curricular activities. Don’t scold them on getting low marks, instead try to identify their specific strengths and encourage them to follow it.
Frequent classwork check: Teachers must frequently check the worksheet of the student and thoroughly analyze writing patterns. Instead of giving just the right or wrong 