Understanding Dyscalculia: When Maths Just Doesn’t Add Up

Is your child bright and curious but struggles with even the basics of maths? Do they become anxious when asked to do number work, even at their year level? If so, you might be wondering—could it be dyscalculia, and would a dyscalculia assessment provide the answers you need?

Dyscalculia is a specific learning difficulty (SLD) that affects a person’s ability to understand and work with numbers. It’s often referred to as “maths dyslexia” and can have a significant impact on confidence and academic achievement.

At our clinic, we offer comprehensive dyscalculia assessments to help identify reading-related challenges early, provide clear answers, and guide tailored support. In this blog, we’ll cover:

✔ What dyscalculia is
✔ Signs to watch for in children
✔ How it differs from general maths difficulty
✔ How a dyscalculia assessment can help
✔ Next steps and support options

What Is Dyscalculia? (“Dis-Cal-Cool-Ee-Ah”)

Dyscalculia is a neurodevelopmental learning disorder that affects the brain’s ability to process numerical information. It’s not caused by lack of effort, poor teaching, or intelligence—many children with dyscalculia are otherwise capable and engaged learners.

Children with dyscalculia may have difficulty with:
🔸 Number sense (understanding quantities or what numbers represent)
🔸 Basic maths facts (e.g. 3 + 4 = 7 doesn’t feel automatic)
🔸 Telling time or understanding money
🔸 Sequencing steps in maths operations
🔸 Understanding place value, decimals, or fractions

These difficulties can persist even with good instruction and effort.

Common Signs of Dyscalculia in Children

While some children simply don’t enjoy maths, those with dyscalculia show persistent, disproportionate challenges, often alongside distress or frustration.

Look out for signs such as:
🚩 Struggling to recognise numbers or count objects accurately
🚩 Difficulty remembering basic facts (e.g. times tables)
🚩 Trouble understanding time, dates, or directions
🚩 Counting on fingers long after peers have moved on
🚩 Difficulty estimating quantities or comparing numbers
🚩 Confusion with maths symbols and language
🚩 Avoidance of maths homework or anxiety during tests

These difficulties are often overlooked or misunderstood, especially in primary school where other subjects may mask the problem.

If your child is falling behind in maths despite tutoring or extra help, a dyscalculia assessment can provide the clarity you need.

Dyscalculia vs. General Maths Difficulty

It’s important to distinguish between dyscalculia and general maths struggles. Many children experience maths anxiety or fall behind due to gaps in learning—but dyscalculia is more persistent, severe, and resistant to intervention.

A dyscalculia assessment can help differentiate between general learning gaps and a diagnosed difficulty. Specifically, it can help determine whether your child’s difficulties are due to dyscalculia or other underlying issues, such as:
🔹 Working memory difficulties
🔹 Attention issues or ADHD
🔹 Maths anxiety
🔹 Gaps in foundational knowledge due to missed instruction

Identifying the root cause allows us to tailor support to your child’s unique needs.

How a Dyscalculia Assessment Works

A dyscalculia assessment is conducted by a qualified educational and developmental psychologist. Our clinic offers comprehensive, evidence-based assessments for dyscalculia and related learning difficulties. Here’s what the process looks like:

🧠 Cognitive Testing

We assess areas such as:

Working memory
Processing speed
Non-Verbal reasoning
Visual-spatial skills

➕ Academic Achievement Testing in Maths

We evaluate:

Number sense and quantity comparison
Arithmetic accuracy and fluency
Problem-solving ability
Understanding of mathematical concepts and language

🧩 Contextual Understanding

We gather:

Parent and teacher observations
School reports and academic history
Emotional and behavioural patterns

This holistic assessment helps us determine whether the child meets criteria for a specific learning disorder in maths—also known as dyscalculia.

What Happens After a Dyscalculia Assessment?

After your child’s dyscalculia assessment, we’ll guide you through the next step and you’ll receive:
📄 A comprehensive report including results and diagnosis (if applicable)
🎯 Personalised recommendations for home and school
👩‍🏫 Guidance on how to talk to your child’s school
🔗 Referrals to specialist tutors, occupational therapists, or allied health professionals if needed

We also offer ongoing support and strategy sessions to help your child build confidence and stay engaged in learning.

Our team is here to support your family beyond the assessment—with ongoing guidance and evidence-based strategies.

Why Early Maths Assessment Matters

Without early recognition, children with dyscalculia can experience:
❌ Ongoing academic frustration
❌ Anxiety around school and maths
❌ Low self-esteem or avoidance behaviours
❌ Missed opportunities for tailored support

A formal diagnosis provides access to:
✅ Evidence-based intervention and tutoring
✅ School accommodations (e.g. extra time, assistive tech, calculator use)
✅ Understanding from teachers and parents
✅ Support for emotional well-being

The sooner we understand a child’s learning profile, the sooner we can help them succeed.

Book a Dyscalculia Assessment Today

A comprehensive dyscalculia assessment can provide clarity, direction, and support. If your child is struggling with maths and you suspect dyscalculia, don’t wait. Early identification and support can make a huge difference in their confidence, progress, and long-term success. A comprehensive assessment can provide clarity, direction, and support. We’re here to help.

📞 Contact us today to book a comprehensive dyscalculia assessment with one of our experienced educational and developmental psychologists.

👉 Book an Appointment Now