Dyscalculia: the difficulty in learning mathematics
Oddly enough, there is evidence that human beings already we are born with certain abilities to think in mathematical terms. For example, newborns are already able to count units in small quantities, which is the prelude to being able to add and subtract in the future.
However, just as we are specially prepared for mathematics, it is also true that in some cases this kind of specific mental processes may be affected by a disorder. This is what happens in cases where it is detected a type of difficulty called dyscalculia.
What is dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia is a class of learning disability that specifically affects math-related mental operations and that cannot be explained by the presence of mental retardation or a bad education.
So to speak, in the same way that the dyslexia affects reading, dyscalculia affects the handling of numbers and arithmetic in general, especially in relation to the simplest mathematical operations, such as adding and subtracting. That is why dyscalculia it is also directly known as difficulties in learning mathematics (DAM).
Symptoms and diagnosis
Very often, dyscalculia is accompanied by other learning difficulties, such as dyslexia or dysgraphia. Therefore, in the DSM-V diagnostic manual dyscalculia is part of a broader diagnostic category known as Specific Learning Disorders. Within this, it is possible to specify what specific difficulties are manifested in each case, such as problems in reading and in mastering mathematics, only in writing, etc.
As for the symptoms of dyscalculia, these are grouped into several categories, and cannot be due to an injury or a malformation linked to a known disease:
Graphic transcription
In some cases, people with dyscalculia have it is difficult to memorize the symbol that represents each number, or draws them in an abnormal way, such as the other way around. In the same way, it is common not to be able sort groups of numbers writing them from left to right.
Failure to learn quantity notions
In dyscalculia it is very normal that it is not understood that a number is made up of groups of units, and that the idea of number-object association necessary to perform mathematical operations is not created basic, so you try to count on your fingers (the position of the fingers does the memory function of job).
Causes of dyscalculia
As in learning disorders in general, the exact cause of dyscalculia is not known, probably because there is not just one but several that act together and provide feedback.
That is why, for the moment, it is assumed that dyscalculia has a multifactorial origin in which problems of maturation of certain parts of the brain as well as more psychological aspects related to cognition and the management of emotions.
To understand this better, let's use an example. The brain of a girl with dyscalculia will probably have areas of the brain responsible for working with numbers directly affected, but in addition to that you will have gotten used to the idea that you are not good at math, which will make you work less and, consequently, your results are even worse.
It is important to note that psychologists and educational psychologists can intervene on the psychological aspects of dyscalculia, making the learning performance of those diagnosed improve or, at least, not get worse.
Prognosis and treatment
Currently very little is known about how dyscalculia cases that are not treated evolve, although in the medium term it is known that it is associated with psychological problems such as low self-esteem or the appearance of symptoms of depression.
However, dyscalculia can be treated from psychological and psycho-pedagogical work. For this, it is necessary to carry out a process of cognitive restructuring related to the use of basic mathematics and the selfconcept.
In this way the fundamental foundations of mathematics are taught without which progress cannot be made, and At the same time, ideas that hinder learning are discarded, such as the belief that numbers do not exist.
