Dyscalculia test

Dyscalculia in Adulthood – understanding, classifying, supporting

What is Dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia is a specific learning disorder that affects basic mathematical skills—such as understanding quantities, numbers, and arithmetic operations. It usually exists since childhood, but often remains undetected and only becomes apparent in adulthood, for example, through persistent difficulties in everyday life or work.

General intelligence is generally not impaired – it is mathematical understanding that is affected, not the ability to think as such.

Possible signs in adults:

• Persistent difficulties with mental arithmetic or simple calculations
• Uncertainty in handling money, time or quantities
• Calculation results are often estimated rather than calculated
• Stress in everyday requirements with numbers (e.g. invoices, contracts, budget planning)
• Negative experiences with mathematics since school
• Dropouts from school or training, professional limitations due to math difficulties

Many adults have developed strategies to compensate for weaknesses in arithmetic – but this does not always work, especially when pressure to perform or new demands arise.

Why a diagnosis can be useful

Recognizing dyscalculia in adulthood doesn’t mean “going back to school.” Rather, it’s about being able to better understand one’s own difficulties, experiencing relief, and working specifically on beneficial approaches in everyday life or at work. Such a diagnosis can also be helpful in a therapeutic context—for example, in cases of self-esteem issues, professional overwork, or anxiety related to numbers.

Who is dyscalculia diagnosis suitable for?

• People with long-standing difficulties in arithmetic that have never been conclusively clarified
• Adults in training, studies or retraining with noticeable differences in performance
• Those affected by persistent uncertainty regarding financial or organizational issues
• People suspected of having dyscalculia in the context of psychotherapeutic issues

Diagnostic procedure in my practice

1. Preliminary consultation:
   During an initial consultation, we will discuss your experience, current situation, and the objectives of the diagnostic assessment.
2. Medical history and questionnaires:
   You will receive a medical history questionnaire in advance. Depending on the questions, biographical aspects, educational background, and professional experience will also be considered.
3. Test diagnostics:
   Using scientifically based testing procedures, numeracy skills are assessed in a differentiated manner – including in relation to numerical understanding, basic arithmetic, problem-solving strategies, and work behavior.
4. Evaluation & Feedback:
   The results will be discussed in detail afterward. Upon request, you will receive a written report that clearly summarizes the results and includes recommendations for further treatment of the diagnosis.

What are the benefits of a diagnosis in adulthood?

• Self-clarification: Finally an explanation for long-standing difficulties – without guilt or shame.
• Relief: The certainty that the problems are not due to a lack of intelligence or motivation.
• Concrete support: Information on individual support options, digital tools or professional adjustments.
• Therapeutic integration: A better understanding of one’s own cognitive structure as part of psychotherapeutic work.

Important: Dyscalculia is not a question of intelligence. Adults with dyscalculia don’t need “tutoring,” but rather individualized ways to handle numbers more confidently and calmly—whether in everyday life, at work, or in education.

If you suspect that you have a math learning disability, I offer you in-depth, understanding diagnostics and advice.