Treatments For Dyscalculia

We often think of arithmetic as a learned habit, but the reality is humans and animals typically have an instinctual understanding of basic mathematical concepts. Individuals born without these measurement and spatial reasoning abilities can struggle with understanding and manipulating numbers. This condition is called dyscalculia, and it is commonly referred to as the mathematical version of dyslexia. Though patients with dyscalculia often have a higher IQ than average, they may greatly struggle with math during school. There currently is no way of entirely curing and erasing the dyscalculia, but specific treatment methods can make it easier for individuals to navigate school and life with dyscalculia.

Specialized Instruction

Most patients with dyscalculia will require specialized instruction if they wish to succeed in mathematics. It is quite rare for a child with this condition to do well if they are only learning math in a traditional classroom setting. The best option is to select an instructor who has experience with dyscalculia, but even a basic tutor can provide some help. One on one instruction is very important because individuals with dyscalculia tend to take a lot longer to learn math. They need someone who can explain the same concept repeatedly and let them learn at their own pace. Specialized instruction is also important because it can provide helpful instructions and coping methods. Students with dyscalculia can use the concepts they learn through one on one tutoring to have an easier time in the classroom. In general, instructors for individuals with dyscalculia need to emphasize alternative explanations and study strategies. Frequent review sessions, describing the concepts behind formulas, and using drawn diagrams can all help to explain things in a more easily understood manner.

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Multisensory Instruction

Individuals with dyscalculia tend to do better when they can learn mathematics through hands-on methods involving all the senses. Multisensory instruction helps patients relate math to real life objects instead of abstract concepts. Using hand movements and songs can assist with the memorization skills needed to count, and in the earlier stages of math, things like countable objects provide help with basic arithmetic. Consider using measuring cups and kitchen goods to teach fractions and use rulers or cut out shapes for geometry lessons. Things that get different portions of the brain involved in math will help individuals with dyscalculia to compensate for their difficulties with abstract and mathematical reasoning.

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Assistive Technology

Thanks to an increased awareness of dyscalculia, there are more and more methods for technology to help out individuals with this disorder. Of course, the simplest way technology may assist with dyscalculia is through smartphone calculators. Constantly having a calculator in a person's back pocket can help them to sidestep many of the daily troubles associated with not being able to do arithmetic. However, assistive technology does more than just completing mathematical problems for a person. It can actually be used to improve an individual's ability to do arithmetic. Specific games designed for children with dyscalculia helps them practice on refining their ability to measure and have spatial reasoning. Games can be more effective than tutoring because they are always available and help to provide targeted assistance. Overcoming dyscalculia requires a lot of repetition and practice with mathematical subjects.

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How To Help At Home

The way a parent interacts with their child at home can make a huge difference to their overall outcome. Repetition and reinforcement is an essential part of overcoming dyscalculia. To grasp mathematical concepts, children with dyscalculia need to spend more time thinking about and being exposed to the concept than a child without a learning difficulty. Parents can do this at home by making games out of counting and arithmetic. Doing things like basic arithmetic with the number of folded versus unfolded towels in a basket of laundry can help children with dyscalculia get more comfortable with math. Being loving and supportive is another major method of solving how to help at home. The average person does not understand dyscalculia, so children with dyscalculia tend to encounter a lot of negativity at school. Encouraging them and praising their intelligence can give them the motivation they need to persevere.

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Treating It At School

Though dyscalculia can make some things difficult in daily life, it most commonly causes problems in school. Treating it at school requires understanding teachers who have time for one-on-one support. Parents may need to talk to the school about providing accommodations. Children with dyscalculia need more time to work on math and the option of doing mathematics in writing instead of verbally. Since students with dyscalculia are often quite bright, they tend to do best when teachers present the reasons behind arithmetic instead of just forcing the student to memorize routine formulas and multiplication charts. Children tend to avoid subjects they do poorly at if they are shamed or punished for getting things wrong. Instead of scolding a child or mocking them, a teacher needs to remain patient and supportive. If your child's teacher is not capable of dealing properly with a child who has dyscalculia, it may be necessary to change schools. Learning new mathematical concepts builds on older ones, so a child who falls behind one year may struggle to catch up later.