What is it about:
Source at Dyscalculia Forum Dot Com
The Basic Facts
Dyscalculia is a specific learning disability in mathematics. Dyscalculia is a word you use to describe when people have significant problems with numbers - but still have a normal or above normal IQ. It seems that no dyscalculic has problems with math alone, but also struggle with problems being able to learn to tell time, left/right orientation, rules in games and much more. Also, there are more types of dyscalculia, and all types demand specific learning methods aimed at the specific problem.
Is Dyscalculia A Real Thing?
Dyscalculics say it is. Teachers say it is. WHO and DSM say it is.
How Common Is Dyscalculia?
According to UK studies done by Gross-Tsur, Manor and Shalev in 1996, 6.5% are dyscalculic. According to studies done by Lewis, Hitch and Walker in 1994, 1.3% are dyscalculic while 2.3% are dyscalculic AND dyslexic - that means that according to this study 3.6% of the World's population are dyscalculic.
That gives a total of between 3.6 and 6.5% of the World's population. And again: That means, according to these two studies, that between 216 000 000 (two hundred and sixteen million) and 390 000 000 (three hundred and ninety million) people are dyscalculic - if we say that there are 6 000 000 000 000 (six billion) people in the world. No international study has been done on how common it is.
"You Can If You Want To!"
Probably followed by "and if you try hard enough". This is a typical remark from teachers and parents to motivate the student - and although it can be meant in the BEST way possible, it is not true when it comes to dyscalculic students. The thing a dyscalculic wants most in this world is to be able to understand those numbers. Dyscalculics need different learning methods, in every aspect of the assignment. Dyscalculics are able to learn how to calculate something one day, only to discover that the information has been forgotten the next day. In other words programs like Kumon, where repetition is a major part of the teaching methods seem to have no result for dyscalculic students - they forget. Through different learning methods aimed specifically at the student and his/her version of dyscalculia can have great results.
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