I watched a program on the BBC called Child of our Time - series 6 programme 4 - that included examples of dyscalculia. I think it was a good presentation of the effects of dyscalculia in everyday living.

Dyscalculia is difficulty in dealing with the aspects of mathematical operations. It affects about 1 in 20 people.

On the practical level, the program showed us a man who would look at a train schedule posted on the wall at the station, then look away and not be able to repeat the time he had just read.

Also looking at numbers on a chart were perceived with blurred outlines.

The way the man helped himself was to keep little note cards with him of important numbers that he needed to refer to during the day - not just phone numbers, but also street numbers or anything else that had numbers.

Ways to improve math skills mentioned practicing with 'estimating' in everyday situations, such as what your grocery bill may be, what the restaurant tab might be.

When at the market I try to mentally add up my purchases as I drop them into the shopping cart - by mentally rounding off the cents to the nearest dollar and adding them up. This is an exercise in concentration. The broadcast recommended finding ways to concentrate on math in everyday life for self-improvement.

This online test can give you an idea if you or a child has this learning disability.

Dyscalculia - also Known as Dyscalcula or Acalculia
Math while Moving - ABA Sequencing
Child of our Time - series 6 programme 4 - from the BBC
Online Dyscalculia Worksheet

Article by Susan Kramer

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