Dyscalculia is defined as consistent failure to achieve in mathematics commensurate with age, intelligence, adequate instruction, and effort. It is marked by difficulties with counting, working memory, visualization; visuospatial,  directional, and sequential perception and processing; retrieval of learned facts and procedures; quantitative reasoning speed; motor sequencing; perception of time; and the accurate interpretation and representation of numbers when reading, copying, writing, reasoning, speaking, and recalling. Dyscalculia affects 6% to 7% of the population and is higher when weaker forms are included.

1. Count Dyscalculia's insight

2. random number and symbol mixups when reading, thinking, copying, writing, speaking, and remembering

3. unreliable memory of numbers, math facts, rules, and procedures

4. inordinate effort nets disappointing results

5. poor mental figuring

6. counting and calculation with fingers or marks

7. is quickly overwhelmed- experiences frustration, tears,  distress, anxiety, panic, and avoidance

8. struggles with handling money

9. See more in The Dyscalculia Checklist

Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs) are defined in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association. 

"Specific Learning Disorder-- with impairment in Mathematics (315.1), Reading (315.0), or Written Expression (315.2). SLD is "a neurodevelopmental disorder of biological origin manifested in learning difficulties and problems in acquiring academic skills markedly below age level and manifested in the early school years, lasting for at least 6 months, not attributed to intellectual disabilities, developmental disorders, or neurological or motor disorders." 

College & MLD

College & Dyscalculia

Substitution & Waiver Guide

LDs in College

Sample Letter to Disability Services

Authentic Assessment

Training for College Advisors

Algebra Paths  |  Algebra

Physics  |  Calculus | Statistics

Chemistry  |  Trigonometry

Medical Students

Mahesh Sharma's Center for Teaching and Learning Mathematics

Sunday Webinars 8 AM ET Join Free

Karismath Grades 1-5 Math Lessons for Dyscalculics by Shad Moraif - New Teacher Training Resource Books!

YouCubed @ Stanford University 

Visual, Creative Math Instruction by Dr. Jo Boaler

Jump Math by John Mighton

LEGAL GUIDANCE on DYSCALCULIA, DYSLEXIA, DYSGRAPHIA, & LEARNING DISABILITIES

Federal DOE Guidance on Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, & Dysgraphia and IEPs (10/2015)

Federal Guide: IEP Goals Must Align w/ Current Grade-level Content Standards (11/2015)

Video: Saying dyslexia, dyscalculia, & dysgraphia in schools -  Michael Yudin, Assistant Secretary of Special Education & Rehab Services (2015)

National Institutes of Health on Dyscalculia Diagnosis & Management (2012)

Math Doesn't Add Up

It Just Doesn't Add Up: 

Explaining Dyscalculia and Overcoming Number Problems for Children and Adults - The author goes from number-blind to a college professor. by Paul Moorcraft

Why is Math so Hard for Some Children 

by Daniel Berch and Michele Mazzocco

Mathematical Mindsets 

by Jo Boaler

Count Dyscalculia

by Mischa Pearson (2023)

Dyscalculia From Research to Education 

by Brian Butterworth (2018)

Math in Mind

A Mind for Numbers by Dr. Barbra Oakley at University of California-San Diego  -  [TedTalk] 

Mindshift: - Break through barriers to learning

Coursera: Learning How to Learn

Learning to Love Math

 by Judy Willis, MD, Neuroscientist and Classroom Teacher

Math for All (2021) is a book for kids to change attitudes about math. By Mark Hansen.

Untether: Inspiration for Living Free and Strong, No Matter What the  Challenge 

by  JT Mestdagh (2019)

JT graduated college, wrote a book, and climbs mountains, in spite of severe dyslexia and serious health problems!

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