Private Occupational Therapy and Sensory Integration | The OT Centre

Occupational Therapy for Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia is a specific learning disability that affects a person's ability to understand numbers and learn math facts. Individuals with dyscalculia may have difficulty with various mathematical tasks, such as calculating basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), understanding time, using money, or even playing games that require a good sense of numbers and strategy.

Facts

Common Difficulties associated with Dyscalculia

How can Occupational Therapy help?

Classification

There are several common classifications of Dyscalculia including;

Developmental vs Acquired: e.g. evident in childhood upon starting to learn numbers and mathematics or acquired due to brain injury or neurological injury later in life.
Subtype: e.g. Verbal, Procedural, Quantitative or Spatial.

Cause

There are several factors believed to contribute to the development of Dyscalculia including;

Genetics
Brain structure and Function
Neurodevelopmental Factors
Comorbid Conditions

Risk Factors

There are several risk factors for Dyscalculia including family history, premature birth, conditions such as ADHD or Dyslexia, brain injury or early developmental delay.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of Dyscalculia include;

Difficulty counting and recognising numbers
Difficulties understanding concept of 'more' or 'less'
Difficulties with concept of time
Difficulties with spatial relationships and directions

Occupational Therapy Specialism

Occupational Therapists who specialise in assessing and treating people who have Dyscalculia are based in a branch of Occupational Therapy for Learning Difficulties.

Common Difficulties associated with Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia encompasses a range of difficulties related to math learning and number processing. People with dyscalculia might face challenges in various areas, from basic arithmetic to more complex mathematical reasoning. Here are some of the common difficulties associated with dyscalculia:

Understanding Basic Number Concepts

Number Sense

Difficulty grasping the concept of quantity and the relationships between numbers, such as which is larger or smaller.

Counting

Struggles with counting accurately, especially when it involves skip-counting (by twos, threes, etc.).

Arithmetic Skills

Memorization of Maths Facts

Difficulty memorizing basic arithmetic facts, making simple addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division challenging.

Calculation Errors

Making frequent errors in calculation due to misunderstandings of place value or operational signs.

Mathematical Procedures

Struggles with understanding and following mathematical procedures, including carrying over and borrowing in addition and subtraction.

Application of Maths in Everyday Life

Time Management

Difficulties with understanding and managing time, such as reading clocks and estimating how long activities will take.

Money Management

Challenges with handling money, including making change, budgeting, and understanding financial concepts.

Measurement

Problems with measuring objects or substances accurately, affecting both personal and academic activities.

Advanced Mathematical Concepts

Mathematical Reasoning

Difficulty understanding higher-level mathematical concepts and solving problems that require mathematical reasoning.

Spatial Relationships

Challenges with spatial orientation and understanding geometric properties and relationships.

Additional Challenges

Maths Anxiety

Experiencing anxiety or stress when faced with math-related tasks, which can further hinder mathematical performance.

Low Self-Esteem in Maths

Feeling inadequate or less capable in situations involving math, which can lead to avoidance of math-related activities or careers.

Performance Inconsistency

Showing significant variability in math performance, sometimes performing well but struggling severely at other times.

How can Occupational Therapy help?

Occupational therapy (OT) can play a valuable role in helping individuals with dyscalculia, a specific learning disability that affects a person's ability to understand and work with numbers and mathematical concepts. OT can help individuals with dyscalculia develop the skills and strategies needed to improve their mathematical abilities and succeed in daily life.

Assessment and Evaluation

Occupational therapists can conduct comprehensive assessments to identify the specific challenges and strengths of individuals with dyscalculia. This assessment helps in creating a personalized treatment plan tailored to the individual's needs.

Fine Motor Skills

Dyscalculia often co-occurs with difficulties in fine motor skills, which can affect tasks like handwriting and using math tools. Occupational therapists can work on improving fine motor skills through activities such as handwriting exercises and manipulating math manipulatives.

Visual Perception and Spatial Skills

Occupational therapy can address visual perception and spatial awareness issues that may contribute to difficulties in understanding mathematical concepts. Therapists may use activities to improve visual processing and spatial reasoning.

Sensory Integration

Some individuals with dyscalculia may have sensory sensitivities or difficulties that affect their ability to focus and process information. Occupational therapists can provide sensory integration techniques to help regulate sensory responses and improve attention and concentration.

Attention and Concentration

OT can provide strategies and exercises to enhance attention and concentration, which are essential for learning and performing mathematical tasks.

Organization and Planning

Individuals with dyscalculia often struggle with organization and planning, which can make math tasks overwhelming. Occupational therapists can teach organizational skills, time management, and planning strategies to improve mathematical problem-solving.

Self-esteem and Confidence

Learning difficulties can impact an individual's self-esteem and confidence. Occupational therapists can provide emotional support, promote self-advocacy, and help individuals build a positive self-image related to their mathematical abilities.

Adaptive Tools and Technology

OTs can introduce individuals to adaptive tools and technology that can assist with mathematical tasks. These might include calculators, specialized software, or other assistive devices that can make math more accessible.

Multi-sensory Approaches

Occupational therapists often employ multi-sensory teaching techniques to engage multiple senses (visual, auditory, tactile) simultaneously, making it easier for individuals with dyscalculia to grasp mathematical concepts.

Collaboration with Other Professionals

Occupational therapists can collaborate with educators, special education teachers, speech therapists, and other professionals to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach to addressing dyscalculia.