Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia is a specific learning difficulty that affects a person’s arithmetical ability. In terms of research it remains the baby of the specific learning difficulties family. There’s a wealth of knowledge and understanding about dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism, but much less is known or understood about dyscalculia.

DfES (2001). The National Numeracy Strategy. Guidance to Support Learners with Dyslexia and Dyscalculia. London. DfES

APA (1994), Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders . Washington, DC, ed. 4. American Psychiatric Association

National Numeracy 2014

Moorcraft, P. (2014). It just doesn’t add up. Filament Publishing, Croydon, UK

This handbook brings together commissioned pieces by a range of influential, international authors from a variety of disciplines. More than fifty contributors have written about dyscalculia from a range of perspectives and have answered questions such as:

What are mathematics learning difficulties and disabilities?

What are the key skills and concepts for learning mathematics?

How will IT help, now and in the future?

What is the role of language and vocabulary?

How should we teach mathematics?

The following UK based websites provide evidence supporting the content of this MESH Guide.

www.mathematicalbrain.com

www.stevechinn.co.uk

www.addacus.co.uk

www.learning-works.org.uk/

www.judyhornigold.co.uk

www.dyscalculia.org.uk

This guide is designed to provide beginning teachers with a brief overview of current research in the field of dyscalculia and a range of strategies for identifying and supporting dyscalculic learners in the classroom. It also provides information and advice on when to signpost for further assessment and intervention.