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Neurodivergent students

Overview of dyscalculia

The UK Government defines dyscalculia as: 

"A condition that affects the ability to acquire arithmetical skills. Dyscalculic learners may have difficulty understanding simple number concepts, lack an intuitive grasp of numbers, and have problems learning number facts or procedures. Even if they produce a correct answer or use a correct method, they may do so mechanically and without confidence."

True dyscalculia is thought to be quite rare, but the term is often used to describe anyone who has difficulty with maths.  

Strengths associated with dyscalculia include: good verbal communication skills, creative 'big-picture' thinking and innovative problem solving skills.

Common challenges

Common challenges faced by students with dyscalculia:

  • Understanding the concept of positive whole numbers as indicators of order and size, e.g., the fact that 12 is smaller than 22. 
  • Judging and keeping track of time - planning time schedules. 
  • Estimating ‘sensible’ answers. 
  • Remembering simple arithmetic facts (e.g., 4 x 6 = 24). 
  • Accurately copying and distinguishing between similar-looking numbers and symbols (e.g., + and x, 6 and 9). 
  • Carrying out everyday financial tasks, such as giving change and handling a bank account. 
  • Following a series of instructions or steps in the correct order, e.g., working out a percentage or calculating a long division sum. 
  • Making sense of wordy maths questions. 
  • Memorising and recalling specialised maths vocabulary.  
  • Learning theorems and formulae. 

More information about dyscalculia

Strategies for dyscalculia

Here are some good websites for helping you learn maths:

  • Use calendars to show important upcoming dates and appointments.
  • Keep notepads or Post-IT notes by the phone to quickly jot down messages and numbers.
  • Use real objects (coins, rulers, measuring cups) to practise and visualise calculations.
  • Break tasks down into smaller chunks and use checklists to chart progress. 
  • If you have a maths problem to solve, try talking it through first or drawing it.
  • Use assistive technology to manage your time: Try Notion's calendar templates or a Trello board.
  • See these other free tools for organisation and planning.
  • The MoneySavingExpert website explains how to get the best deal on everything and includes help with budgeting.
  • The Snoop app tracks your bills and accounts to check you aren't overpaying. Use it to create budgets, build your savings and check the best switching deals.
  • You can set up the Chip app so that it auto-saves money to build up a savings pot.
  • Some bank accounts like Monzo and Starling let you sort your money into pots so you can track and save more easily.
  • Splittr app helps you split group expenses and bills fairly.
  • AI tools like Goblin's Estimator will help you work out how long something will take.
  • Use your phone or AI assistant to set timers and reminders. 
  • Time Timer app allows you to set multiple visual timers which you can repeat and reuse.
  • Try the Pomodoro method of working in 25-minute bursts with 5-minute breaks to maximise productivity. (See these Pomodoro apps.)
  • Use Google Maps to work out the route and time it will take to get somewhere using a particular form of transport.