What are typical challenges students with math-related learning disabilities face?

Date Updated
05/24/22

Some common challenges faced by learners with Dyscalculia, a learning disability that affects performance in mathematics include:

  • Mistakes such as number additions, substitutions, transpositions, omissions, and reversals in writing, reading, and recalling numbers.
  • Difficulty with abstract concepts of time and direction.
  • Inability to recall schedules and sequences of past or future events.
  • Being chronically early or late.
  • Inconsistent results in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
  • Inability to visualize; appearing absentminded or lost in thought.
  • Difficulty remembering math facts, concepts, rules, formulas, sequences, and procedures.
  • Inconsistent mastery of math facts.
  • Difficulty with left and right orientation.
  • Difficulty following sequential procedures and directions in math steps.
  • Slowness in understanding math concepts in word problems.
  • Confusing operations signs or performing them in wrong order.
  • Difficulty keeping score during games.
  • Limited strategic planning ability.

This list is adapted from Dyscalculia.org.

For more information on Dyscalculia, consult Accommodating Math Students with Learning Disabilities.