Causes Of Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia is a life-long neurological condition and learning difficulty that causes trouble with understanding math and numerical concepts. It is also known as Gerstmann's syndrome, number agnosia, math dyslexia, and acalculia. This learning difficulty has a wide range of symptoms and affects individuals in different ways. Symptoms include difficulties with visualization and spatial concepts, directional confusion, trouble with processing time, and trouble with sequences. Diagnosis of dyscalculia is often completed in childhood and can be made by a qualified school psychologist or a special education teacher. Brian Butterworth designed a screening test for dyscalculia; the test is widely administered in school systems to identify students who present with symptoms of the disorder. Dyscalculia can occur together with other conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, math anxiety, and executive functioning issues.

Let's look closely at some of the major causes of dyscalculia now.

Turner's Syndrome

Also referred to as Turner syndrome or gonadal dysgenesis, this disorder occurs when a female is born with a single X chromosome instead of the normal two X chromosomes females have. Turner's syndrome is rare, with about 200,000 cases diagnosed in the United States each year. The condition can be diagnosed at birth. As girls with Turner's syndrome grow up, one of the more noticeable symptoms of the disorder is they are shorter than their classmates. In addition to dyscalculia, the syndrome can also cause heart defects, high blood pressure, infertility, and delayed puberty. While it is a lifelong condition, treatments such as growth hormone therapy, estrogen replacement, and fertility treatments can assist in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Keep reading to reveal another potential cause of dyscalculia.

Fragile X Syndrome

Fragile X syndrome, a genetic disorder, affects approximately one in four thousand males and one in six thousand females. The condition involves a mutation to a single gene, and this mutation prevents the gene from making a protein. While Fragile X syndrome is considered rare, it is classified as the top inherited cause of intellectual disability, and it also ranks as number one among all currently known causes of autism. Symptoms include differences in physical appearance, such as large ears, flat feet, and a long face. Fragile X syndrome can cause seizures, speech delays, anxiety, and hyperactivity. Girls typically have less severe cases than boys, and a combination of medication and therapy can be used for symptom management.

Get to know more about what can cause dyscalculia by reading more now.

Premature Birth

Premature birth is one that takes place before the expectant mother's thirty-seventh week of pregnancy. The risk of premature birth is increased for mothers who have previously had a premature baby and for mothers pregnant with twins or triplets. After birth, premature babies often need immediate specialist hospital care in a dedicated neonatal unit, and some may require surgery. Preterm birth may lead to complex and chronic long-term health problems, including cerebral palsy, hearing difficulties, heart defects, vision problems such as a detached retina, asthma, delayed tooth eruption, and behavioral or developmental delays. Some premature babies will have several complications, while others may have only slight impairments. Many premature babies go on to live a normal life.

It's time to learn about more causes of dyscalculia.

Presence Of Other Learning Difficulties

Generally, the presence of other learning difficulties is associated with an increased likelihood a child will have dyscalculia. Neurological conditions, including dyscalculia, are part of a continuum that includes numerous related concerns. For example, individuals with learning differences in math often also have language disabilities, in which they may have trouble responding to questions or struggle to quickly understand a fast-paced lecture. Sometimes, these conditions may occur along with coordination disorders; these can manifest themselves in poor handwriting, difficulty with buttoning clothes, trouble with gross motor coordination, and being hypersensitive to touch. Regulatory disorders, including depression, anxiety, and anger management difficulties, can worsen existing dyscalculia.

Continue reading to reveal more about the causes of dyscalculia.

Genetic Components

There is some evidence to suggest genetic components may play a role in dyscalculia. For example, the condition tends to run in families, and parents with dyscalculia may have children who also have the disorder. In a study completed on twins, forty-nine percent of identical twins, who share all of the same genes, were found to have dyscalculia. Among non-identical twins, who share fifty percent of the same genes, thirty-two percent had the condition as well. It is estimated genetics have a moderate influence on the condition, and environmental factors, including the level of instruction and learning setting, are also important and may contribute to the severity of the disability. As science and genetic understanding advance, it is hoped future studies will shed new light on the possible genetic components associated with dyscalculia.