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Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD) in Mathematics

Dyscalculia Diagnosis & Support
Tel 0770 3724534
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Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD) in Mathematics

Dyscalculia Diagnosis & Support
Tel 0770 3724534
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Dyslexia Identification Assessments in Canterbury

Definition of Dyscalculia

In March 2025 an updated definition of dyscalculia was approved by SASC for use in the UK. It provided clearer guidance than previously on when maths difficulties are caused by dyscalculia and enabled a SpLD in Mathematics to be diagnosed for those people who are not dyscalculic but nevertheless have an underlying cognitive basis for their persistent and debilitating difficulties in maths.

It highlights the complexity and individuality of each person’s experience, by explaining how the unique interaction of known underlying factors may be a risk for or protect against developing a SpLD in Maths or Dyscalculia.

It also ensured that their difficulties are recognised as a disability under the Disability Act (2010), which means that schools, colleges, universities and workplaces must acknowledge and if appropriate provide reasonable adjustments so that people are not unfairly disadvantaged.

It further recognises that SpLD’s commonly co-occur and that for some people the effects of another SpLD such as dyslexia, ADHD, dyspraxia and development language disorder can have a profound impact on their acquisition of maths.

Additionally, it recognises that Maths Anxiety can be both a symptom and a contributory factor of maths difficulties, but is not, on its own, a cause of a SpLD in Maths or Dyscalculia.

Assessments

A SpLD in Maths or Dyscalculia?

While both have a debilitating effect on an individual’s ability to learn, understand and fluently apply maths in education and everyday life, the causes are different.

People with a SpLD in Maths will find it tricky to use and work with numbers fluently and flexibly, may calculate by counting in ones, rely on written procedures, not remember maths facts and generally find maths difficult, especially fractions, decimals and negative numbers. The cause of their difficulties could be due to challenges with visual or verbal working memory, spatial processing, phonological processing, processing of language, reasoning or generalising skills. Despite their challenges they will have a good awareness of the relative size of numbers and can estimate. They will usually know if an answer or price is too big or small to be reasonable.

Dyscalculia Indicators at Different Ages

People with dyscalculia have a profound difficulty understanding quantities and the numbers and symbols that represent these quantities. As well as the difficulties above, they cannot easily tell when numbers or prices are unreasonably large or small for the context. Of course, this will show up in different ways according to their age and life experience.

Younger Children

For younger children they may not easily be able to work out which groups of objects have more or less, understand that numbers represent quantities and that each number in the counting sequence is one more going up and one less going down.

Older Children

Older children may find it difficult to estimate the likely answers to calculations, have a weak understanding of the number and counting systems, be slower at comparing and ordering numbers (including fractions and decimals).

Adults

Adults may have difficulties with, working out prices, discounts and change in the moment, remembering pin numbers and other numerical information, understanding how long a journey will take, visualising quantities when cooking and understanding statistical information.

FAQ

What is dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia is a specific learning difficulty that affects a person's ability to understand numbers and mathematical concepts. It can affect things like counting, remembering number facts, estimating quantities, understanding time, handling money, and solving maths problems. It is often described as being to maths what dyslexia is to reading, although the two are different conditions.

What are common signs of dyscalculia in children and adults?

Common signs can include:

Children:

1. Difficulty learning basic number facts (e.g., 5 + 3)
2. Trouble counting accurately
3. Difficulty understanding quantity ("more" vs. "less")
4. Struggling with times tables
5. Problems telling the time

Adults:

1. Difficulty calculating change or budgeting
2. Trouble estimating distances or timings
3. Anxiety around maths tasks
4. Difficulty remembering phone numbers, dates, or numerical information

People can experience these signs differently.

Is dyscalculia recognised in the UK?

Yes. Dyscalculia is recognised in the UK as a specific learning difficulty (SpLD). Schools, colleges, universities, and workplaces may provide support or reasonable adjustments when difficulties substantially affect learning or daily activities.

How is dyscalculia diagnosed in the UK?

Diagnosis usually involves:

1. A detailed history of learning experiences
2. Assessment of mathematical abilities
3. Cognitive testing
4. Review of strengths and challenges

Assessments are often carried out by specialist assessors, educational psychologists, or qualified practitioners with expertise in specific learning difficulties.

Can schools support children with dyscalculia?

Yes. Support may include:

1. Extra time in assessments
2. Visual learning aids
3. Breaking tasks into smaller steps
4. Use of practical materials (objects, counters, diagrams)
5. Targeted interventions
6. Individual learning plans where appropriate

The level of support can vary between schools and local authorities.

Does dyscalculia mean someone is "bad at maths"?

No. Dyscalculia affects how a person processes numbers, but people with dyscalculia can have strong abilities in many other areas such as creativity, language, problem-solving, art, technology, or analytical thinking. Someone may also perform well in some areas of maths while finding others very difficult.

Can dyscalculia be cured?

Dyscalculia is not generally considered something that is "cured." However, people can develop effective strategies and improve confidence and skills through:

1. Specialist teaching approaches
2. Repetition and structured practice
3. Technology and assistive tools
4. Workplace or educational adjustments
5. Learning techniques tailored to their needs

Many people with dyscalculia develop successful ways of managing everyday numerical tasks

Can I get support at university or work in the UK?

Yes. Universities and employers in the UK may offer support and reasonable adjustments where dyscalculia has a significant impact on learning or work.

Examples include:

At university

1. Extra time in exams
2. Assistive technology
3. Study skills support
4. Alternative formats for learning materials
5. Specialist mentoring

At work

1. Additional training time
2. Written instructions alongside verbal explanations
3. Calculator or software support
4. Adjusted tasks where appropriate
5. Flexible ways of completing numerical work

The type of support available will vary depending on individual circumstances and the organisation involved.