Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Specific Learning Disorder (SLD)

Dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia — we might have come across these terms from time to time.
Are they somewhat similar? Well, they do fall under an umbrella term known as specific learning disorders (SLDs).
But what exactly are their distinctions?

Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia refers to impairments in mathematics, typically observed from number sense, memorisation of arithmetic facts, accurate or fluent calculation and accurate math reasoning.

*Often co-occurs with Dysgraphia, might reflect a core deficit in language and neuropsychological development.

Impairments observed might imply underdeveloped or impaired neurological processes affecting mathematical reasoning and calculation, seen in the following:

Ψ Difficulties estimating

Ψ Unable to read or write mathematical symbols due to difficulties in memorization of arithmetic facts

Ψ Unable to perform mental calculations due to difficulties with accurate or fluent calculation

Ψ Difficulties understanding abstract concepts or in visuo-spatial ability due to deficits in accurate math reasoning

How do I support a child with Dyscalculia?

Give them early exposure to mathematical concepts in various modalities — visual, tactile, audio, etc. Hands-on materials can complement such exposures. For example, a height chart to learn about height, then encouraging them to measure your height. You can also introduce basic mathematical operations by teaching them how to add to get a total height.

Remember to adjust according to your child’s ability. Help them boost their confidence when it comes to mathematical concepts— it shouldn’t be extremely easy, but it also shouldn’t be something they don’t know how to solve yet. Remember to look out for signs of anxiety or boredom. Your child might be hinting that they need guidance, or that they find it difficult to concentrate on mathematical concepts for long. Give them breaks if necessary, but let them know you will revisit the concepts later. With your guidance, they will be motivated to keep going and acquire more mathematical skills.