How is dyscalculia different from other maths learning difficulties?

Dyscalculia is at the severe end of the maths learning difficulties

Characteristics that are found with people with dyscalculia are:-

• Difficulties with maths are persistent and will have been present since the learner was young.
• Difficulties apply to arithmetic but not necessarily to other areas of maths such as geometry and algebra.
• Difficulties in maths but not subjects like English and subjects which do not involve numbers.
• Lack of an intuitive understanding of numbers and simple number concepts, for example the relationship between multiplication and repetitive addition.
• Lack of a fundamental understanding of how numbers relate to each other, for example 6 can be made from 5 + 1, double 3, 4 + 2 (flexibility of number) as well as a visual concept of the magnitude of numbers. They cannot make sensible references to numbers. For example, if asked if a pair of trainers (not a designer make) should cost £4,000.
• Young children have difficulties with subitising, knowing how many items there are in a set. They need to count them one by one.
• Learners rely on following procedures which they may not understand, rote learning and simple ways of working out answers like counting on their fingers.
• Extreme difficulties spotting patterns in numbers and making generalisations.
• High levels of maths anxiety.