Types of Learning Disabilities: Dyscalculia

Types of Learning Disabilities: Dyscalculia

Types of Learning Disabilities: Dyscalculia

Dyslexia is undoubtedly the learning disability that is most familiar to people, but it isn’t the only type of learning disability. Another condition that can cause children to struggle in school is dyscalculia, which interferes with a student’s ability to understand numbers and learn math.

According to the Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA), individuals with dyscalculia “may also have poor comprehension of math symbols, may struggle with memorizing and organizing numbers, have difficulty telling time, or have trouble with counting.”

Common Traits Associated with Dyscalculia

The LDA reports that people with dyscalculia may have difficulty with: 

  • Understanding concepts of place value, and quantity, number lines, positive and negative value, carrying and borrowing
  • Understanding and doing word problems
  • Sequencing information or events
  • Using steps involved in math operations
  • Shows difficulty understanding fractions
  • Making change and handling money
  • Recognizing patterns when adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing
  • Putting language to math processes
  • Understanding concepts related to time such as days, weeks, months, seasons, quarters, etc.
  • Organizing problems on the page, keeping numbers lined up, following through on long division problems

Types of Learning Disabilities

According to the Learning Disabilities Association of America, dyslexia and dyscalculia are types of learning disabilities a child may struggle with. These conditions are often referred to as specific learning disabilities (SLD). That’s an umbrella term that refers to a group of learning challenges that affect a child’s ability to read, write, listen, speak, reason, or do math. The full list includes:

  • Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
  • Dyscalculia
  • Dysgraphia
  • Dyslexia
  • Language Processing Disorder
  • Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities
  • Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit

If you have concerns about your child’s ability to learn, a learning disability evaluation can provide answers and help you determine the best way to help your child reach their full potential. Adults who once struggled in school due to undiagnosed conditions may also benefit from learning disability testing.  For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact the Littleton ADHD Autism Dyslexia Testing Center in Denver.