The disorder impairs mathematical reasoning. The child can manifest it around the age of 4, and must be accompanied by professionals
Children with dyscalculia have difficulty or inability to understand concepts related to numbers. Symbols, mathematical operations, currency values and number sequences confuse the individual. “This affects him both in the school environment and in everyday life,” he says the psychologist clinic Vanessa Gebrim.
The disorder impairs logical thinking and information processing. Of course the child will encounter obstacles to adapt to stimuli considered “normal” for learning, feeling different from his classmates. ” It can lead to increased isolation, difficulty socializing, feelings of shame or guilt”, says psychiatrist Jessica Martani.
Insecurities during the main stage of personality formation are quite harmful. They favor the construction of an individual with a fragile self-image and self-esteem, capable of developing diseases such as anxiety and depression. ” The earlier dyscalculia is diagnosed, the better the prognosis (the likely outcome of treatment)“says Jessica.
Below we collect the basic information about the disorder and the child’s coping tools.
What is dyscalculia?
A dyscalculia is a disorder that impairs the learning of mathematics. The child has difficulty thinking, reflecting, evaluating and reasoning when faced with number sense activities. Such as the memorization of arithmetic facts, the accuracy and fluency of calculation. “The mathematical development of those with dyscalculia is significantly lower than expected,” explains Sueli Conte, psychologist, master’s degree in pedagogy and neuroscience and therapist at Bars de Access.
Learning disability usually occurs in children, as they are of school age. Symptoms begin to appear between the ages of 4 and 5, still in early childhood education. However, the diagnosis is usually made around age 7. “That’s when she’s introduced to more complex math concepts,” says Vanessa.
The types of dyscalculia
Dyscalculia can be classified as mild, moderate or severe and into different types. “Professionals make the diagnosis based on the intensity of the disorder and the ease of progressing the treatment,” explains the psychologist.
- Verbal dyscalculia: the child has difficulty understanding the mathematical concepts that are spoken
- Practognostic dyscalculia: the child has difficulty enumerating, comparing and quantifying
- Lexical dyscalculia: the child has difficulty reading numbers and symbols
- Graphic dyscalculia: the child has difficulty writing, copying or reproducing mathematical symbols
- Ideognostic dyscalculia: the child has difficulty making mental calculations and the relationship between digits
- Operational dyscalculia: the child has difficulty performing mathematical operations
What causes dyscalculia?
Children with dyscalculia have dysfunctions in specific neural connections, making it impossible for them to access numerical information and mentally represent numbers. “Their neural connection networks use alternate pathways that a person without the disorder doesn’t use”Vanessa explains. Numerical decoding becomes more difficult and affects understanding of math homework or problems.
There are other possible causes related to brain development disorders and problems in the maturation of brain structures. “This can occur due to illnesses during pregnancy or even the use of drugs and alcohol during pregnancy,” adds Jessica.
How does dyscalculia affect the child at school?
There are several ways dyscalculia impairs learning. ” And that changes as the child grows.”Sueli explains. During kindergarten, he may have difficulty learning to count (especially backwards), recognizing simple patterns, distinguishing which number is bigger, understanding the meaning of numbers and the concept of numbering.
In elementary school, the difficulty extends to learning and memorizing number expressions, remembering game scores, calculating the total price of items, understanding or associating a number with a word (e.g., 3 and three), as well as excessive use of fingers to count.
Finally, in high school, the information contained in tables and graphs can be difficult to understand, as can counting changes or tips, the amount of ingredients in a recipe, and calculating speed, distance and direction. “Teenagers end up avoiding situations that require understanding numbers and activities involving math”says Vanessa.
How do I know if my child has dyscalculia?
Parents should monitor their child’s development at school and be aware of this if there are great difficulties in learning mathematics. Meanwhile, the teacher has to observe and communicate if the child is resistant to learning to count, for example. “Difficulty understanding the subject and discouragement from doing activities around the house can be signs of dyscalculia,” says Sueli.
dyscalculia diagnosis
The diagnosis of dyscalculia is clinical and made through the assessment and characterization of symptoms that appear in the child’s life. Since the disorder can be linked to others, the analysis of educational psychologists, neuropaediatricians and psychologists is essential to define which assessments to apply.
“It is the set of targeted tests that will lead to the correct diagnosis,” explains the psychologist. The process requires patience. With adequate support, the child will be able to cope with difficulties.
treatment of dyscalculia
Dyscalculia has no cure. But with proper treatment it is possible to improve the image. The intervention is carried out with exercises and activities that help to stimulate the elaboration of numerical language. “Neuroscience has developed several games that allow you to assess attention deficits,” says Sueli.
Each child must be screened so that professionals initiate treatment with interactive participation, games and activities. “Here because, early diagnosis is so important. So that there is effective and concentrated work in the areas of learning,” she adds.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
