Dyscalculia
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Detailed Description
Dyscalculia is a specific learning disorder that affects a child's ability to understand and perform mathematical tasks. It can manifest as difficulties with number sense, maths facts, calculations, and mathematical reasoning.

Identifying Signs of Dyscalculia

Early Signs (Preschool)
Difficulty with Numbers: Trouble recognising numbers, learning to count, or understanding the concept of quantity.
Challenges with Simple Math: Struggles with basic maths concepts, such as more or less, bigger or smaller.

School-Age Signs
Maths Fact Challenges: Difficulty remembering and retrieving basic maths facts, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Problems with Calculations: Struggles with arithmetic calculations, often making frequent errors.
Difficulty with Math Concepts: Trouble understanding mathematical concepts such as place value, fractions, or telling time.
Avoidance of Math: Reluctance to engage in maths-related activities due to frustration and anxiety.
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Other Related Signs
Spatial Awareness Issues: Difficulty with spatial reasoning, which affects understanding of geometry and visualising maths problems.
Memory Problems: Short-term and working memory issues that impact the ability to hold and manipulate numbers in the mind.
Directionality Confusion: Struggles with directional concepts such as left and right, and trouble following multi-step directions.

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Support Strategies for Children with Dyscalculia
Enhancing Math Skills
Multisensory Instruction: Use multisensory teaching methods that engage visual, auditory, and kinesthetic-tactile pathways simultaneously.
Concrete Manipulatives: Incorporate hands-on tools such as counters, number lines, and visual aids to make abstract concepts more concrete.
Step-by-Step Instruction: Break down maths problems into smaller, manageable steps and use clear, explicit instructions.

Supporting Memory and Recall
Maths Fact Practice: Provide regular, structured practice of maths facts using games, flashcards, and repetition.
Memory Aids: Use mnemonic devices, rhymes, and visual aids to help with memory and recall of maths concepts.
Consistent Practice: Implement daily practice of maths skills to reinforce learning and build automaticity.

Academic Accommodations
Extended Time: Allow extra time for maths assignments and tests.
Alternative Assessments: Provide alternative methods of assessment, such as oral tests or projects.
Modified Assignments: Adjust the length and complexity of maths assignments to match the child's skill level.

Building Confidence
Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement to celebrate achievements and progress in maths.
Supportive Environment: Create a supportive environment that encourages practice and perseverance.
Encouraging Problem-Solving: Teach problem-solving strategies and encourage a growth mindset towards maths.

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Steps to Get a Diagnosis for Dyscalculia
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1. Observing Signs and Symptoms:
Parents and caregivers should keep a detailed record of their child's maths challenges, including difficulties with number sense, calculations, and mathematical reasoning.
2. Consult an Occupational Therapist and/or Speech Pathologist:
Schedule an appointment with your child's OT/ SP to discuss concerns. The OT/SP will conduct an initial evaluation and may use a combination of formal and informal assessments or screening tools to screen for dyslexia.
You can also discuss your concerns with your child’s Paediatrician and ask their office if they provide screening assessments for Specific Learning Disorders or recommend you contact a service such as DSF (Dyslexia Speld Foundation for a Comprehensive Assessment of Specific Learning Disorder)
3. Referral to a Specialist:
If the paediatrician suspects dyscalculia, they will refer the child to a specialist, such as a child psychologist or educational psychologist, for a comprehensive evaluation.
4. Comprehensive Evaluation:
The specialist will conduct a detailed assessment, which may include:

• Developmental history and parental interviews.
• Observations of the child's maths skills.
• Standardised tests and diagnostic tools (e.g., Test of Early Mathematics Ability - TEMA).

5. Diagnosis and Recommendations:
Based on the evaluation, the specialist will provide a diagnosis and recommendations for intervention and support. This may include:

• Maths interventions.
• Academic accommodations.
• Educational support plans (e.g., IEPs or 504 plans).

6. Developing an Intervention Plan:
Collaborate with healthcare professionals to create a comprehensive intervention plan tailored to the child's needs. This plan should address number sense, maths fact recall, and problem-solving skills.
7. Ongoing Monitoring and Support:
Regularly review and adjust the intervention plan as the child progresses. Ensure ongoing communication and collaboration between parents, healthcare providers, and educators to provide consistent support.

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Learning Difficulties/Specific Learning Disorders (Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia) FAQs​
Q: What are learning difficulties? 
A: Learning difficulties are neurological conditions that affect specific academic skills such as reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), and maths (dyscalculia).
Q: How can Occupational Therapy assist children with learning difficulties? 
A: OT can help improve fine motor skills, handwriting, organisational skills, and strategies for learning. Therapists may use multisensory approaches to support reading, writing, and maths skills.
Q: How are learning difficulties/Specific Learning Disorders diagnosed? 
A: Learning difficulties are typically diagnosed through educational and psychological assessments, which may include standardised tests, observational checklists, and academic performance evaluations

Have a question? or need more information

Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3634 or send us a message

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​Referrals to Belong Health
We are Medicare and Private Health fund registered for Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology.

EPC/Team care arrangements/Chronic disease (CDM) or GP management plans and self-referrals are all acceptable.

WA NDIS Registered Provider  

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Medicare
You can get a referral from your/your child’s GP for OT on a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan this gives you 5 sessions for OT per calendar year with a $53 rebate available on each session or a Helping Children with Autism/PDD/ or an eligible disability package (20 sessions between allied health professionals, as set up by a Paediatrician/Psychiatrist) which gives your child under 16 years a $75 rebate per session for the 20 sessions, you can use up to 10 sessions per Health Professional (up to 10 for OT) and you will need a separate referral letter from your child’s Paediatrician for each Allied Health Professional you are seeking services from. 

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Private Health
Your Private Health fund may cover up to 75% of the cost of OT sessions if this is included in your cover, be sure to call them or check your policy for details.

No referral or self referral
You do not require a referral for accessing OT

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NDIS Registered Provider
We are an NDIS Registered Provider
Whether you or your child have NDIS funding that is NDIS Managed, Third Party Plan Managed or you are Self-Managing your funds, you are able to use your funding to cover the full cost of therapy services plus travel costs. You will need provide us with your/your child’s NDIS number and plan details ahead of your first session. Once you have booked a session or contacted us, our team will be in touch to discuss our service agreement and provide you with our services price list. 

13 Littleton st, Falcon

Phone: 08 9586 3934

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OFFICE HOURS:         MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8:30am - 4:30pm

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