10/20/2025
Dyscalculia is a learning disability that makes it hard to understand math. Kids with dyscalculia need extra support to help them stay on track in math class, handle homework and deal with tests.
A math tutor can help, especially if they have experience working with students who learn differently. So can educational therapists. And you and your child can work together to find useful tools like calculators, graph paper, or even apps that make practicing math fun.
Kids with dyscalculia may also be entitled to accommodations at school. Examples could be access to a calculator, extra time on tests and a quiet space to work. Kids may also be allowed to tape lectures or get copies of the teacher’s notes so they can go over them after class.
Like most learning disabilities, dyscalculia often has hidden costs. Kids may feel frustrated or embarrassed when asked to do things like reciting multiplication tables or doing a problem on the board. Or they may feel ashamed of not being “like other kids.” Problems can go beyond school. Dyscalculia’s impact on day-to-day activities — playing board games, spending money or even reading clocks — can make kids feel so embarrassed they might avoid them altogether.
To help a child with ADHD and dyscalculia, use a combination of strategies that address both conditions by providing structure, using multisensory learning tools, and reducing math anxiety. Break down tasks into smaller steps, incorporate movement and games, and use visual aids like manipulatives and graphic organizers. Encourage effort and provide positive reinforcement, while also using accommodations like extended time on tests and calculators when appropriate.
For both ADHD and dyscalculia:
Structure and routine: Create a structured environment with clear instructions and consistent expectations to help with focus and reduce frustration.
Break down tasks: Divide large tasks, like homework, into smaller, manageable segments with breaks in between to make them less overwhelming.
Incorporate movement: Provide opportunities for physical activity, as exercise can help absorb excess energy and improve focus.
Use games: Turn math practice into a game to make it more engaging and less intimidating.
Address anxiety: Teach anxiety management strategies, as math anxiety is common with dyscalculia and can hinder learning.
Praise effort: Focus on and praise the child's effort and hard work, rather than just the outcome.
Provide accommodations: Advocate for classroom accommodations like extended time on tests, a quiet testing environment, and calculators for computation.
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