I think my child has dyscalculia, now what?
FIRST THINGS FIRST…Don’t Panic!
Just because your child may have dyscalculia and isn’t a natural at maths, doesn't mean that they will always be doomed to maths failure. So much of what your child learns boils down to how they are taught, and it is fair to say that most schools don’t teach maths in a way that children with dyscalculia can EASILY understand.
There is help out there, so don’t get downhearted. If you tackle the problem early enough your child will progress, and it can also help prevent them from developing maths anxiety.
Dyscalculia research is about 30 years behind Dyslexia research, so it is not as widely recognised and diagnosed as Dyslexia - we are trying to change this! Parents like you can help us by mentioning your concerns to your child’s teachers. Asking why they don’t provide screening and demanding that they teach math foundations in a way all kids can learn and not just some. We have started a petition to show the popularity of the desire to create change in our schools. Go here to sign our petition.
Get your child assessed.
The earlier you diagnose dyscalculia, the easier it will be for your child to keep up with the rest of their peers.
In the past - testing could be expensive, but we have a solution for you. SENachieve is a UK based professional screening service, run by Chris. Please click here to visit SENachieve and book an online screening test that is accurate and affordable. Currently, if you do fork out for a formal in-person assessment, they can be very expensive, and it can still be challenging to organise extra teaching or time in exams. Even if your child does get extra help, teachers currently often teach math the same way but slower. Teachers who are able to effectively teach kids with dyscalculia are in short supply. Children with dyscalculia aren’t stupid; slowing things down won’t work, but visual learning or storytelling methods will work a treat.
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Help your child cope mentally with dyscalculia…
If you discover your kid struggles with numbers early on, then reading them a story about a child who struggles with the same problems can be extremely helpful. It is great for our kids to realise they are not alone and know that something can be done about it.
Cassidy and the mixed up numbers by Dezi Shepperd is a beautifully illustrated book about a small girl going to school for the first time. Like most kids, she is super excited about her day but then comes home upset, deflated, and confused, because all her numbers are jumbled up and she can’t make sense of them.
You can purchase it here on amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Cassidy-Mixed-Numbers-Dezi-Shepperd/dp/1953881009
Being at school and having a learning difficulty can be really tough on our kids. They don’t understand why they can’t easily do the work like most of their peers. We all know that children can be cruel, and they like to pick on each other’s differences. We need to arm our children with tools to protect their self-image and confidence.
Teach our children resilience.
Tell them that who they are is exactly who they are meant to be. There is a reason why their brains work the way they do.
Remind them of the things they are good or even great at! Reading, writing, acting, singing, dancing, sports, creating…. the list is endless. Research has found that many people with Dyscalculia are naturally gifted in the creative arts and many other fields that don’t come naturally to a more mathematical brain.
As they say - “When God closes a door…he opens a window.”
Watch the below video for some useful information and tips on how kids can build their own resilience.