Important to Know

This checklist is not a diagnosis.
Many children find aspects of maths challenging. However, if you notice:

• Multiple signs
• Ongoing difficulties
• Increasing frustration or anxiety​
  

…it may be helpful to explore support further.

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Early Years (Ages 4–6)

Number Awareness
☐ Difficulty learning to count
☐ Trouble recognising numbers
☐ Difficulty understanding “more” or “less”
☐ Trouble matching numbers to quantities

Early Thinking Skills
☐ Difficulty sorting or grouping objects
☐ Trouble recognising patterns
☐ Difficulty understanding sequences

Behaviour & Engagement
☐ Avoids activities involving numbers
☐ Becomes frustrated with counting or number tasks
☐ Prefers non-number-based activities

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Primary School (Ages 6–8)

Basic Maths Skills
​☐ Difficulty learning addition or subtraction
☐ Trouble remembering maths facts
☐ Confusion with number relationships

Understanding Concepts
☐ Difficulty understanding place value
☐ Trouble solving simple maths problems
☐ Difficulty following steps in maths tasks

Speed & Processing
☐ Takes longer than peers to complete maths work
☐ Needs repeated explanations

Behaviour & Emotional Patterns
☐ Avoids maths tasks
☐ Becomes frustrated or overwhelmed
☐ Reduced confidence in maths

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Primary School (Ages 8–12)

Maths Skills
☐ Difficulty with multiplication or division
☐ Trouble with fractions, time, or money
☐ Difficulty solving multi-step problems

Application & Understanding
☐ Struggles to apply maths in real-life situations
☐ Difficulty understanding word problems

Memory & Organisation
☐ Difficulty remembering steps in maths tasks
☐ Confusion with sequences or order

Behaviour & Emotional Patterns
☐ Maths anxiety or distress
☐ Avoids maths whenever possible
☐ Negative self-talk about maths ability

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What Do Your Answers Mean?

✅ If you ticked a few boxes

• Your child may still be developing maths skills
• Continue to support and monitor progress

⚠️ If you ticked several boxes in one area

• This may suggest maths difficulties that could benefit from support
• Early strategies can help build confidence

🔴 If you ticked many boxes across multiple sections

• This may indicate a pattern consistent with dyscalculia or related challenges
  
• A more detailed assessment may help provide clarity
  

Signs of Dyscalculia

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What To Do Next (Step-by-Step)

1. Speak with Your Child’s Teacher

• Ask about maths progress
• Identify specific areas of difficulty

2. Observe Patterns at Home

• Is your child struggling with understanding, memory, or applying maths?
• Do they avoid maths tasks?

3. Support Maths in Everyday Life

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

4. Consider Professional Support
Support can help:

• Build understanding of number concepts
• Reduce frustration and anxiety
• Improve participation in learning

5. Consider an Assessment
​An assessment can:

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

How to Get a Learning Assessment in WA

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How We Support Children with Dyscalculia
​​

• Occupational Therapy (OT): attention, organisation, task engagement
• Speech Pathology (SP): understanding maths language and problem-solving
• Psychology Assessments: cognitive and academic testing
• Counselling: managing anxiety and confidence
• Positive Behaviour Support (PBS): engagement and learning behaviours

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Not Sure What To Do Next?
​
If this checklist reflects what you’ve been noticing, support is available.
Contact us to discuss your concerns
Ask about maths assessments or support
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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