What is Dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia is a Specific Learning Disorder that affects a child’s ability to understand and use numbers.

Children with dyscalculia may find it difficult to:

• Understand number concepts
• Learn basic maths facts
• Solve problems
• Work with time, money, or sequences

​It is important to understand:

• Dyscalculia is not related to intelligence
• Children are often trying hard but process numerical information differently
• It reflects differences in how the brain understands numbers and patterns

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What Parents Often Notice
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Parents often describe:

• Their child struggling to understand numbers
  
• Difficulty learning basic maths skills
  
• Confusion with simple calculations
  
• Avoidance of maths homework
  
• Frustration or anxiety around maths
  

Signs Of Dyscalculia

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How Dyscalculia Affects Learning

Number Understanding

• Difficulty grasping quantity and number relationships
• Trouble recognising patterns

Maths Skills

• Difficulty with addition, subtraction, multiplication
• Trouble learning maths facts

Problem Solving

• Difficulty understanding multi-step problems
• Challenges applying maths in real-life situations

Everyday Tasks

• Difficulty telling time
• Challenges handling money
• Trouble with sequencing and organisation

Confidence and Emotional Wellbeing

• Maths anxiety
• Avoidance of tasks
• Reduced confidence

Why Is My Child Struggling With Maths?

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Dyscalculia vs “Just Struggling With Maths”

Many children find maths challenging at times.
It may be worth exploring dyscalculia if:

• Difficulties persist over time
  
• Progress remains slow despite support
  
• Challenges are more significant than expected for age
  

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Dyscalculia Assessment (What to Expect)

An assessment helps understand your child’s strengths and challenges.

A dyscalculia assessment may include:

• Cognitive assessment (e.g. WISC-V)
• Academic assessment (e.g. WIAT-III)
• Review of maths skills and problem-solving
• Background information and questionnaires

​The outcome:

• Clear understanding of strengths and challenges
• Clarification of whether dyscalculia is present
• Recommendations for school and home support

How to Get a Learning Assessment in WA

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How We Support Children with Dyscalculia

Occupational Therapy (OT)

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

​Speech Pathology (SP)

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

Psychology Assessments

• Cognitive and academic assessments
  
• Diagnostic clarification
  
• Reports for 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
  

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School & Parent Support

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

Telehealth Across WA

• Flexible access to services
• Support regardless of location

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What To Do Next
If you’re concerned your child may have dyscalculia:

1. Speak with Your Child’s Teacher

• Understand how they are progressing
• Identify specific challenges

2. Observe Patterns

• Is the difficulty understanding, remembering, or applying maths?
• Is your child avoiding maths tasks?

3. Support Maths at Home

• Use practical, real-life examples
• Keep learning engaging and low-pressure

4. Consider Professional Support

• Therapy can help build skills and confidence

5. Consider an Assessment

• Provides clarity and direction
• Helps guide school and home support

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Check Out Our Dyscalculia Signs Checklist

Dyscalculia Signs Checklist

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When to Seek Support

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?
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If you’re unsure whether your child’s maths difficulties may be linked to dyscalculia, we can help guide you through the next steps.
Contact us to get started
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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