Dyscalculia – early detection, targeted support
What is Dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia—also known as arithmetic disorder or math disability—is a specific learning disorder that affects mathematical reasoning and understanding. People with dyscalculia have difficulty grasping numbers, quantities, arithmetic operations, and mathematical relationships—despite their general intelligence being within the normal range.
Typical signs can be:
– Major problems with calculations (e.g. addition, subtraction, multiplication)
– Difficulty in grasping quantities or proportions
– Slow calculation speed despite practice
– Frequent counting with fingers even in higher school age
– Calculation results are often “guessed”
– Uncertainty in handling money or time
These difficulties usually become apparent as early as primary school and, without targeted support, can have a negative impact on academic and emotional development.
Why is early diagnosis important?
Untreated dyscalculia can lead to significant suffering. Many children lose confidence in their abilities, develop school anxiety, or withdraw. Parents and teachers are often faced with the challenge of distinguishing between a lack of practice and a genuine dyscalculia.
A professional diagnosis provides clarity here: It shows whether dyscalculia is actually present and helps to design targeted and effective individual support measures.
For whom is diagnostics useful?
Dyscalculia diagnosis is recommended in the following cases:
– persistent problems in mathematics lessons despite intensive practice
– significant differences in performance between arithmetic and other school subjects
– Feedback from teachers about “unexplainable” arithmetic difficulties
– emotional stress of the child in connection with numbers and arithmetic
– Abnormalities in the understanding of numbers, even in everyday life (e.g. when dealing with time, money or sizes)
Diagnostic Procedure
In my practice, the diagnosis of dyscalculia is carried out in several steps. The goal is to provide the most comprehensive and child-friendly assessment of a child’s math skills possible.
- Initial consultation:
In a free, non-binding introductory appointment, we will discuss the child’s development so far, school experiences and family observations.
- Medical history and questionnaires:
Parents complete a medical history form in advance to gather important background information (e.g., school history, early childhood development, family factors). Teachers may also be involved if necessary.
- Test diagnostics:
The actual testing consists of scientifically recognized procedures for assessing computing performance. Among other things, the following are tested:
– Understanding of quantities and numbers
– Basic arithmetic
– Strategies for solving mathematical problems
– Work behavior and concentration during tasks
- Evaluation and discussion of findings:
The results are evaluated in detail and discussed in detail with the parents. Upon request, a written report is prepared that clearly summarizes the results and includes recommendations for school and, if necessary, extracurricular activities.
What happens after the diagnosis?
A diagnosis of dyscalculia can be an important first step—but it’s not the end, but rather the beginning of targeted support. Based on the test results, appropriate support services can be recommended, such as:
– special learning therapies
– compensation for disadvantages at school (e.g. more time for class tests)
– individual support plans in cooperation with schools or counseling centers
The aim is to strengthen the child’s learning development, build self-confidence and show him new ways of dealing with numbers.
Important: Dyscalculia has nothing to do with laziness or a lack of intelligence. Children with dyscalculia don’t need “more” practice, but rather something “different”—that is, customized support tailored to their particular way of thinking.
If you suspect your child may have a math learning disability, please feel free to contact me. I will provide you with sensitive, professional advice.
Get in touch with us!
Do you have any questions or would you like to schedule an appointment? We’re happy to advise you personally and are available at any time. Our team looks forward to hearing from you – you can reach us via the following contact options:
Call: +49 176 80548189
E-Mail: diagnostik@necipyurddas.com