Dyscalculia, sometimes called 'number blindness', is the inability to acquire numeracy skills.
Pupils with dyscalculia have difficulty in understanding simple number concepts, facts and procedures. When they produce an answer they may do so mechanically, without confidence and understanding.
A dyscalculic tendency may be indicated where children find number work persistently difficult and frustrating. They will repeatedly under-perform in numeracy, despite the best efforts of the class teacher, teaching assistant and despite Special Needs intervention.
Recent research has shown that up to 5% of the population may have dyscalculic tendencies. There may therefore be at least 2 children in every classroom affected by it.
Dyscalculia is not an illness and cannot be cured. It is a Special Need which requires diagnosis. It is recognised within the National Numeracy Strategy as a condition that requires support.
Dyscalculia Screener was created by Brian Butterworth, Professor of neuro-psychology at University College, London, the UK's leading authority on dyscalculia. It has been extensively trialled in order to deliver accurate results.
Computerised screening for dyscalculia takes about half an hour and is followed by a comprehensive analysis and report with recommendations. |
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