When a child struggles with math learning disabilities or dyscalculia, it will be difficult for him to learn to recognize printed numerals or to count. Learning basic math facts, (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division,) will be a frustrating challenge for the child. Due to visual processing problems, copying problems from a board in the classroom will be hard for a child with dyscalculia. Also, the child will struggle to line up math problems properly on a paper.
Learners with dyscalculia will have problems with most math concepts, such as understanding fractions, or sorting and classifying tasks. Finding patterns or sequencing will be troublesome as well. Children with math disabilities or dyscalculia will not understand word problems, or will be confused about what problem solving strategies to employ with them. Multistep math problems will be difficult, and the student will struggle to match the math vocabulary to the problem.
Those with math learning disabilities, or dyscalculia, will not only have problems in the classroom. The disability will affect daily tasks such as telling time, or time management. This includes keeping track of days of the week, reading and managing a calendar as well as reading a clock properly. Money skills will be impacted also, with the person having trouble budgeting, balancing a checkbook, or making change. It will be challenging for people with dyscalculia to estimate costs for shopping or a project. Learners with math disabilities tend to avoid strategy games like chess, and in any game will have trouble keeping score. Measuring will be hard for the person also. Those with dyscalculia often have a poor sense of direction.