From Vincent Iannelli, M.D.,
Your Guide to Pediatrics.
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About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD

Definition:

Dyscalculia is a type of learning disability in which children have problems with math.

These children may begin with problems learning to count or recognizing numbers in preschool and kindergarten and then may go on to have difficulty with basic math problems in grade school. Children with dyscalculia may have trouble adding, subtracting, dividing, or multiplying numbers, and doing more complex math problems. They may also struggle with learning to tell time, handling money, and sequencing information.

A red flag or warning sign that a child could have dyscalculia is that they are doing well in school, especially subjects like reading, writing, and spelling, but are struggling with math.

Unlike other types of learning disabilities, dyscalculia is as common in girls as it is in boys (most other learning disabilities are more common in boys), and is thought to occur in up to 5% of children. It may even be more common in kids who also have ADHD or dyslexia.

Children can be tested by a school's special education department if a parent or teacher suspects that a child might have dyscalculia.

Also Known As: Mathematical Disability

Common Misspellings: discalculia, dyscalculie, dyskalkulie, dyskalkulia

Examples: Children with dyscalculia may always struggle with math in school, even as they do well in their other subjects.