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Dyscalculia

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Dyscalculia/Maths related difficulties

Dyscalculia is a condition that affects the person’s ability to understand and acquire and have confidence with mathematical skills.  Individuals may also present with difficulties organising and planning.

Strengths

  • Communicator
  • Persistent
  • Creative
  • Practical

Symptoms are described by observations of how people behave:

Individuals with Dyscalculia may present with difficulties managing money, telling the time and taking measurements. These difficulties may impact on an individual’s organisation and planning abilities.

Common challenges described are:

  • Difficulty with Pin codes and passwords
  • Difficulty estimating time taken to complete tasks
  • Difficulty doing ‘mental’ calculations e.g. working out change in a shop
  • Difficulty estimating size e.g. how much material to use, quantities required
  • Difficulties working out bills, paying for items at a till, checking change is correct

 

Support in the workplace by the employer

  • Ask the person what works for them and what makes things harder for them
  • Arrange regular short meetings to check on priorities and progress- this reduces anxiety levels for the employee that they can see they are on task and helps to gain confidence.
  • Discuss what adjustments does the person think they may need or has helped them before.
  • Allow use of calculator
  • Create a template or show how to use software to record expenses.
  • Provide information in a visual format where possible
  • Discuss if they need help with time management and time allocation
  • Discuss setting up direct debits for their wages in order to limit the need for calculating and online banking.

Getting the best for yourself- employee

  • Consider what adjustments you need so you can discuss this with your employer
  • Translate pin codes into letters and then words so this can help to remember them e.g. 1=A; 2=B
  • Use a password protected system to store your pin codes and passwords so you are not trying to remember them all
  • Use a calculator on your phone or computer
  • Set up direct debits to limit the need for calculating and paying for bills
  • Ask for expense sheet templates with pre-set formulas if you need to complete these or an example of what is expected
  • If taking down telephone numbers on the phone break them into chunks and then check it back with the person for accuracy