What Parents Often Notice

You might see:

• Difficulty recognising or remembering numbers
  
• Trouble counting or understanding quantity
  
• Struggling with basic maths facts (e.g. addition, subtraction)
  
• Difficulty solving word problems
  
• Taking much longer than peers to complete maths tasks
  
• Avoiding maths homework
  
• Becoming frustrated or anxious with maths
  

Learn More about Specific Learning Disorder Support

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Is This Normal or Something More?

It’s common for children to find some aspects of maths challenging.

​However, it may be worth exploring further if:

• Difficulties persist over time
  
• Your child is falling behind at school
  
• Maths tasks cause significant frustration or anxiety
  
• Progress remains slow despite practice
  

In some cases, ongoing maths challenges may be linked to a learning difficulty such as dyscalculia.

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Common Reasons Children Struggle with Maths

1. Understanding Number Concepts
​Some children find it difficult to grasp:

• Quantity (what numbers represent)
• Number relationships
• Patterns and sequences

2. Memory and Processing Difficulties
Maths relies on:

• Remembering steps
• Holding information in mind (working memory)
• Processing information quickly

3. Dyscalculia (Specific Learning Disorder in Maths)
Dyscalculia affects how a child understands and works with numbers.
Children may:

• Struggle with basic calculations
• Find it hard to understand number relationships
• Avoid maths tasks

Learn More about Dyscalculia Support

4. Language Difficulties
Maths often involves understanding instructions and word problems.
Some children may struggle with:

• Interpreting questions
• Understanding mathematical language

5. Attention and Concentration
Maths tasks often require sustained focus and step-by-step thinking.

6. Maths Anxiety and Confidence
​If maths feels difficult, children may:

• Avoid tasks
• Become anxious
• Lose confidence

This can make learning even harder over time.

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Signs Your Child May Need Extra Support

It may be helpful to explore support if your child:

• Has ongoing difficulty understanding numbers
  
• Struggles with basic maths concepts
  
• Avoids maths tasks regularly
  
• Becomes upset or anxious about maths
  
• Is falling behind at school
  

Learn More about Signs of Dyscalculia by Age

Dyscalculia Checklist

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What To Do Next (Step-by-Step)

​1. Speak with Your Child’s Teacher

• Understand how your child is progressing
• Ask about specific areas of difficulty

2. Observe at Home

• What types of maths tasks are most difficult?
• Is it understanding, remembering, or applying concepts?

3. Support Maths in Everyday Activities

• Use real-life examples (e.g. shopping, cooking)
• Keep learning practical and engaging

4. Monitor Progress

• Are skills improving over time?
• Are the same challenges continuing?

5. Consider Professional Support
Allied health professionals can help identify underlying challenges and provide targeted strategies.

6. Consider an Assessment
​An assessment can:

• Identify learning difficulties
• Clarify whether dyscalculia or other challenges may be present
• Guide appropriate supports

How to Get a Learning Assessment in WA

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How We Can Support Your Child

Occupational Therapy (OT)

• Supporting attention and task engagement
• Visual processing and organisation
• Functional participation in school tasks

​Speech Pathology (SP)

• Understanding maths language
• Supporting comprehension of instructions
• Breaking down word problems

Psychology Assessments

• Cognitive and academic assessments
• Identification of learning disorders
• Reports to guide school supports

Counselling Support

• Managing maths anxiety
• Supporting confidence
• Reducing frustration around learning

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

• Understanding avoidance behaviours
• Supporting engagement in maths tasks
• Practical strategies for home and school

​
School & Parent Support

• Practical maths strategies
• Collaboration with teachers
• Supporting consistent routines

Telehealth Across WA

• Flexible support options
  
• Access services regardless of location
  

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When to Seek Help
​
It may be helpful to seek support if:

• Maths difficulties are ongoing
  
• Your child is becoming anxious or avoiding tasks
  
• Progress is slower than expected
  

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Not Sure?
​
If you’re unsure what’s causing your child’s maths difficulties, we can help guide you through the next steps.
Contact us to get started
Ask about maths support or assessments
Access services across Perth, Mandurah, and WA
​Book a free 20-minute call with our team

Our team is here to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us an email here

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Have a question? or need more information

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Phone: 08 9586 3934

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