Recognizing the Signs of Dyscalculia in Your Child
Dyscalculia is a learning disability that affects a person’s ability to understand numbers and mathematical concepts. Parents might notice their child struggling with basic arithmetic, having difficulty understanding time, or showing confusion with money. These signs can be subtle in younger children but become more apparent as they progress through school. Dr. Whitley emphasizes the importance of early identification, noting that many children with dyscalculia are not diagnosed until later in their educational journey.
Supporting Children with Dyscalculia: A Psychologist’s Perspective
Navigating the educational journey of a child with dyscalculia can be challenging, but understanding this learning difference is the first step toward supporting your child effectively. Dr. Brennan Whitley, a psychologist specializing in neuropsychological assessments, sheds light on dyscalculia through her work and her children’s book, “The Defa and Me.” This article aims to provide parents with insights into dyscalculia, its impact on children, and how to support their learning and development.
The Emotional Impact of Dyscalculia on Children
Children with dyscalculia often experience feelings of confusion and shame, especially when they compare themselves to their peers. Dr. Whitley shares her personal experience, saying, “There’s a part of the book where Charlie isn’t able to finish the math task that was given in class and just feels the shame of everyone else being finished. I have distinct memories from my childhood of that shame coming up.” This emotional aspect can lead to anxiety and avoidance of math-related activities, which can further hinder their learning.
Author Quote
“
I really wanted to embody a lot of those strengths and those characteristics in the main character so kids could see not just the challenging parts that come with dyscalculia but the strengths as well.
”
The Importance of Strengths-Based Approaches in Education
While dyscalculia presents challenges, it’s crucial to recognize and nurture the strengths of children with this learning difference. Dr. Whitley’s book highlights the adventurous and creative nature of her protagonist, Charlie, reflecting the potential of children with dyscalculia. By focusing on their strengths, such as creativity and curiosity, parents and educators can help build confidence and resilience in these children.
Key Takeaways:
1
Understanding Dyscalculia: Parents should educate themselves about dyscalculia, a learning disability that affects a child's ability to understand numbers and math concepts. Dr. Brennan Whitley emphasizes the importance of recognizing both the challenges and strengths associated with dyscalculia. Understanding that dyscalculia is not a reflection of a child's intelligence but rather a different way of processing information can help parents provide the right support and reduce feelings of shame and confusion in their children.
2
Seeking Comprehensive Evaluations: If a child is struggling with math, parents should consider seeking a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation, especially for younger children. Dr. Whitley highlights the importance of a thorough assessment to not only identify dyscalculia but also to understand the child's learning profile as a whole. This can help tailor educational plans and accommodations that address the child's specific needs, considering potential overlaps with other conditions like ADHD and dyslexia.
3
Utilizing Resources and Support: Parents should explore available resources and support systems for children with dyscalculia. Dr. Whitley recommends books like "It Just Doesn't Add Up" by Paul Morcraft for adolescents and young adults, and "The Dyscalculia Syndrome" by Brian Butterworth for understanding the science behind dyscalculia. Additionally, engaging with educational therapists and organizations like Made for Math can provide practical support and help build essential number sense skills. Joining communities related to dyscalculia can also offer valuable support and reduce feelings of isolation.
Nurturing Strengths and Building Confidence in Children with Learning Differences
Dyscalculia is not just about struggling with math; it can affect various aspects of a child’s life, including their sense of direction and spatial awareness. Dr. Whitley explains that dyscalculia can manifest in difficulties with understanding quantities and number sense, which are foundational skills for mathematical learning. Parents should be aware that dyscalculia can coexist with other learning differences, such as dyslexia, and a comprehensive evaluation can provide a clearer picture of their child’s needs.
Author Quote
“
I always recommend that families work with an educational therapist or someone who has that lens for not just what your child is working on in that moment with math but really building number sense.
”Understanding the Broader Impacts and Coexistence of Learning Differences in Children
Number Sense is a critical component of mathematical understanding and is often a challenge for children with dyscalculia. It involves the ability to understand and manipulate numbers intuitively. Dr. Whitley recommends working with educational therapists who can help build these foundational skills. Resources like Made for Math offer interactive support that can be beneficial for children struggling with number sense.
Discover how the Brain Bloom System can help your child build confidence and resilience in math, just like Charlie in “The Defa and Me,” by nurturing their creativity and curiosity.
