How to Help Kids With Dyscalculia

There are a number of ways you can support a child with dyscalculia — both in school and out.

Kids with dyscalculia need extra support to help them stay on track in math class, handle homework, and deal with tests. Trying different types of support can help you and your child find the right tools for their needs.

Experts: Educational specialists or a math tutor, especially one who has experience working with students who learn differently, can help your child learn to approach math problems in a more effective way. Tutoring will also allow your child to practice their math skills in a slower, less stressful setting.

The right tools: Supportive tools and tech can help your child navigate difficult problems.

• A calculator they know how to use
• Pencils (for erasing!)
• Graph paper to help them keep columns and numbers straight.
• Pre-set phone reminders and alarms to help them keep track of time.
• Math apps and games that allow them to practice essential skills in a fun way

Accommodations: Work with your child’s teacher to ensure they’re able to access appropriate supports including:

• Access to a calculator during class and tests
• Extra time on tests
• A quiet space to work
• The option to record lectures
• Access to the teacher’s notes
• Time in the math resource room (if their school offers one)
• In-school tutoring or homework assistance

Many children — with and without dyscalculia — struggle with what’s commonly called math anxiety. “Kids who have a hard time with math often feel serious anxiety when it comes to doing any math-related task, especially homework or tests,” explains Meredyth Kravitz, PhD, a clinical neuropsychologist.

Oftentimes, this anxiety becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, says Dr. Kravitz. “Kids who struggle with math often become so anxious that the anxiety takes over. They’re unable to concentrate on learning the problem or passing the test because they’re worried about doing badly.”

Math anxiety isn’t exclusive to kids with dyscalculia, but it is common among children with the disorder. “One of the keys to helping kids with dyscalculia is teaching them anxiety management strategies,” says Dr. Kravitz. As kids learn to manage the anxiety provoked by math challenges, they become more able to absorb information and techniques that can help.

Like most learning disabilities, dyscalculia often has hidden costs. If your child has dyscalculia they may feel frustrated or embarrassed when asked to do things — like reciting multiplication tables — that are difficult for them, especially during class or when other students are present.

But the problems can often go beyond school. Dyscalculia’s impact on day-to-day activities — playing board games, making correct change, or even reading clocks accurately — can cause kids to feel self-conscious and avoidant.

Helping your child understand their learning disorder can give them the tools they need to manage their dyscalculia — both academically and emotionally.

• Don’t keep them in the dark. Talk to them about the difficulties dyscalculia can cause and be specific: “You know how you have a hard time remembering your times tables, or knowing how much change to give the lunch lady? That’s dyscalculia.”
• Acknowledge their struggles and praise hard work — even if the results aren’t perfect: “I understand how hard that math assignment was. I was so proud of how hard you worked on it.” “Praising efforts instead of outcomes will help your child feel proud of their work, even if it’s not reflected in their final grade,” says Dr. Kravitz.
• Help them identify their specific strengths, and offer positive reinforcement: “Your essay about Dad was so well written and moving. You’re a great writer.”
• Combat negative self-talk: If your child starts saying things like “I’m just stupid,” don’t ignore it. Instead, check out these ideas for helping kids who are too hard on themselves.