Are you wondering why you or your child struggle with numbers and find it difficult to solve seemingly simple tasks?
Understanding Dyscalculia;
Dyscalculia is often associated with mathematics or more. It is appropriately perceived as a specific learning difference for arithmetic. There is no deficit in reading and writing in isolated dyscalculia. Dyscalculia is classified under WHO ICD-10, a classification system for diseases and mental disorders, as: rather, it is about mastery of basic computational skills such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
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The American Psychiatric Association's DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) defines dyscalculia as:
"A specific learning disorder characterized by impairments in learning basic arithmetic facts, processing numerical magnitude, and making accurate and fluent calculations."
Symptom and findings
With dyscalculia, calculation difficulties may arise from the very beginning of learning numbers at school. However, if the child's learning and achievement are generally high, deficiencies in numeracy may only become apparent at a later stage, when school demands increase. The first symptoms of dyscalculia can be seen in preschool age. Understanding numbers and quantities, counting skills as well as simple addition and subtraction tasks are difficult. However, because computational power in young children is not yet stable enough, the diagnosis of dyscalculia is usually made much later in school life.
Children affected by dyscalculia are more prone to mental health problems, such as depressive or psychosomatic symptoms. Some children become increasingly withdrawn due to difficulties at school, while others are more prone to aggressive behavior. In addition to dyscalculia, your child may experience dyslexia or attention deficit disorder (ADD), with or without comorbid hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Frequency and Causes
Based on international research. According to studies, approximately 3 to 8% of all children and adolescents suffer from dyscalculia. It is not yet clear whether girls or boys are more commonly affected. While some studies find no difference in this regard, others show that girls are more likely to have dyscalculia. The causes of dyscalculia are still unknown today. However, it is believed that there are several factors that influence computational abilities, such as genetics, neuroscience, and cognitive factors.
Additionally, the child's relationship with his or her parents, peers, teachers, financial security, and parenting style may complicate existing computational problems. It is also important whether the child has deficits in other areas, such as ADHD or mental health problems.
Effects of Dyscalculia
Studies show that dyscalculics go to school early. and were less likely to gain a vocational qualification than their peers without dyscalculia. In addition, their daily life is greatly affected, as they may have difficulty, for example, using money or reading a clock.
However, if dyscalculia is diagnosed early and treatment is appropriate, the prognosis is good, where arithmetic can be learned later.
Evaluation and Diagnosis
Diagnosis should be made as early as possible and by experienced specialists.
Post-Diagnosis Treatment
The sooner treatment is started, the better the chances of improvement. Individualized therapies by trained specialists are highly recommended, because then not only dyscalculia but also the entire condition, such as depression or psychosomatic symptoms, are in focus. This is the best way to control calculation difficulties and mental health difficulties in the long run. The first attempt is to allow children to understand numbers and quantities.
Only in the second step are simple arithmetic operations discussed. Since dyscalculia cannot be treated within a few weeks, funding programs must be long-term. Additionally, one-on-one therapy is more effective than group therapy or classroom therapy. It is recommended that you increase the time between sessions to stop the treatment gradually, rather than stopping it suddenly.
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