What is dyscalculia?
SASC (SpLD Assessment Standards Comittee) define dyscalculia as a pronounced and persistent difficulty with:
- Numerical magnitude processing and understanding associated with age-related difficulties in naming, ordering and comparing physical quantities and numbers, estimating and place value.
Other factors that contribute to the impact of dyscalculia:
- Language (how well learners can understand and express themselves with language).
- Verbal working memory (the ability to hold attention and keep information while completing a task).
- Visuo-spatial working memory (the ability to temporarily hold and manipulate visual and spatial information).
- Inhibitory control (the ability to suppress impulses or distractions and allow focus on a task).
- Visual-spatial processing (the ability to process and understand visual information, making connections between the spatial relationships between objects).
Sign of Dyscalculia
- Difficulty counting and learning sequences
- Difficulty connecting numbers to quantities
- Difficulty counting backwards
- Difficulty spotting patterns in number
- Difficulty in estimating
- Difficulty retaining number bonds or times tables
- Exhausted by processing when completing calculations
- Making errors linked to place value
- Giving answers that are mathematically impossible
- Profound difficulty telling the time
- Disorientated by fractions, decimals and percentages
- Difficulty reading charts and tables
- Applying mathematics to everyday life
Screening for Dyscalculia
Screening for dyscalculia is essential to spot early signs of numerical difficulties, target specific learning weaknesses and allow for tailored support to be provided before learners develop anxiety with mathematics.
The cost of a dyscalculia screener and the associated report is £150
Before
I am happy to arrange a call or meeting prior to the assessment to discuss the individual's needs and answer any questions you may have.
Once an initial conversation or email has agreed the date for assessment and the £50 deposit has been paid, I will send a parental and school questionnaire. This starts the assessment process.
The questionnaires help gather the background information and it is essential these are returned at least 48 hours before the assessment. This allows for thorough preparation and helps ensure a detailed report.
During
The assessment process takes less than 1 hour and starts with a meet and greet to ensure everyone feels relaxed. Parents are then asked to leave and I will invite you back once the assessment is complete.
The assessment focuses on 3 areas:
- Mathematical Language - Assessing learner's understanding of mathematical language
- Sequencing - Requiring children to complete sequences linked to number
- Number Comparison - Asking children to determine which number is smaller or larger
If your child wears glasses, it is essential they bring them to the assessment. They are also welcome to bring a snack if required.
After
Within 21 days of the assessment, you will be invoiced for the remaining cost of the assessment. On payment of this, you will receive your child's report determining whether or not the screener indicates dyscalculia. The thorough report will detail their strengths and weaknesses and make detailed recommendations for support.
I warmly welcome the opportunity to meet or discuss the report in full at this time.