Crunching the Numbers: 7 Signs of Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia, derived from the Greek word for “badly” (dys), and the Latin term for “making calculations” (calculare), is a condition that causes struggles with math functions. Those with dyscalculia often struggle with number-related concepts, problem-solving, or understanding and choosing correct math operations. Though it is often associated with dyslexia and commonly referred to as “math dyslexia,” dyscalculia is a unique condition with its own set of symptoms, struggles, and paths to solutions.

The following signs may indicate that your math struggles are caused by dyscalculia:

  1. Math has been a stressor since childhood

Though a rare form of dyscalculia called “acquired dyscalculia” can be developed later in life due to brain damage, most people with dyscalculia are born with it. Many people who are diagnosed as teens or adults report symptoms dating back to when math was first introduced to them in preschool or kindergarten. Though it starts during childhood, unaddressed dyscalculia can lead to struggles with math well into adulthood.

2. It’s hard to memorize math facts & concepts

Many people with dyscalculia struggle to memorize math facts, formulas, & concepts. Examples can include: 

While many people struggle with memorization, you may be showing signs of dyscalculia if math-related memorization is harder than memorizing other subjects.

3. Words and numbers just don’t mix

Struggling to connect verbal and written concepts to numbers is often a sign of dyscalculia. A person with dyscalculia might struggle to relate spoken words to corresponding numerals (e.g., that “two hundred" is “200”). They might not understand verbal explanations of math processes, and they may struggle to follow and understand word problems.

4. Daily math tasks are a struggle

People with dyscalculia can have trouble with various day-to-day tasks that involve math-related concepts, such as:

  • Telling and tracking time: not knowing how much time has passed or having trouble reading and differentiating hand positions on analog clocks

  • Map reading and navigation skills: difficulty conceptualizing a map’s scale in relation to real space or struggling to understand keys and legends

  • Managing money and finances: having trouble making change, calculating the discounted price of a sale item, or struggling to manage financial plans and decisions

  • Time management: having trouble estimating how long it takes to complete a task or struggling to be on time

  • Memorizing numbers: forgetting phone numbers or passcodes

Consistently struggling with these tasks may point to a larger underlying cause that warrants diagnostic testing.

5. Addressing other conditions hasn’t worked

There are many potential causes for math struggles. People with dyslexia, visual or auditory processing disorders, ADHD, or anxiety commonly have difficulties with math. Dyscalculia can also co-occur with these conditions, leading to more complex academic obstacles compared to a singular diagnosis.  

A comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is essential for pinpointing the cause(s) of a student’s math challenges and defining what supports are needed.

Wondering if your math challenges could be caused by dyscalculia? Schedule your consultation below to learn how diagnostic testing can help.

6. Traditional School Support Hasn't Cut It

If you've tried tutoring but haven't seen a difference in your math mastery, a 504 Plan or IEP may help. These personalized educational plans provide accommodations and/or modifications to level the playing field for students with dyscalculia. 

Though dyscalculia causes difficulties with math, it doesn’t indicate a lack of intelligence or place limits on a person’s capabilities. Dyscalculia is treatable with an accurate diagnosis and appropriate support.
The first step in securing a 504 Plan or IEP is receiving an official diagnosis from an Educational Psychologist.

7. You feel blame, shame, & burnout at school

Unfortunately, it’s common for students with undiagnosed dyscalculia to experience blaming and shaming for their math struggles. Perhaps their teacher thinks they are lazy, unmotivated, or defiant, not realizing that they are truly trying to learn with a major disadvantage. These negative experiences can lead to school avoidance and a fixed mindset on one’s own math capabilities. 

If you feel that math struggles have negatively impacted how you or your teachers view your abilities, you may have dyscalculia. However, without receiving an official diagnosis, it can be difficult to receive the resources and support needed to thrive. 

If you suspect that you may have dyscalculia, our Diagnosticians can remove the guess-work and help you find the answers and support you need.

So you know you need help, but aren’t sure how
to find the right help?  

If a loved one has a learning difference or other condition that impacts their mental health and education, you may feel lost in determining the best ways to support them. 

Our Diagnosticians can provide psychological testing to remove the
guess-work and guide your family on the best path toward mental health, emotional wellness, and academic success.

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More about Variations Psychology

Variations Psychology is a group practice specializing in diagnostic testing to identify psychological conditions.

Our comprehensive evaluations test for conditions that impact mental health and development such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, depression, anxiety, learning disorders, and developmental delays. 

In addition to diagnostic services, we offer Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) of K-12 students to assess needs for accommodations in school and determine their appropriate placements. IEEs provide an objective second opinion on existing IEP and 504 Plans.

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References:

Breaux, K. & Eichstadt, T. (2024). Dyscalculia… and how it relates to dyslexia [Technical Report]. NCS Pearson. Retrieved from https://www.pearsonassessments.com/content/dam/school/global/clinical/us/assets/dyslexia/dyslexia-toolkit-dyscalculia.pdf 

Dyscalculia (2022). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23949-dyscalculia 

Dyscalculia (n.d.). LDA America. Retrieved from https://ldaamerica.org/disabilities/dyscalculia/

Haberstroh, S., & Schulte-Körne, G. (2019). The Diagnosis and Treatment of Dyscalculia. Deutsches Ärzteblatt international. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6440373/ 

Jacobson, R. (2025). How to Spot Dyscalculia. Child Mind Institute. Retrieved from https://childmind.org/article/how-to-spot-dyscalculia/ 

Schreuder, A. (n.d.). What is Dyscalculia? LDA America. Retrieved from https://ldaamerica.org/what-is-dyscalculia/ 

Shinn. M.M. (n.d.). 7 Strategies for Fostering a Growth Mindset in Your Child. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/7-strategies-for-fostering-a-growth-mindset-in-your-child-xj28w 

Shinn. M.M. (2019). Why is My Kid Struggling So Hard with Math? Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/why-is-my-kid-struggling-so-much-with-math 

Shinn. M.M. (2021). Why is Math So Hard for My Kid? Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/why-is-math-so-hard-for-my-kid 

Shinn. M.M. (2022). Specific Learning Disabilities and Special Education: 6 Facts for Parents. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/specific-learning-disabilities-special-education-6-facts-for-parents  

How to Cite This Blog Article:

Shinn. M.M. (2026). TITLE. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from (https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/Crunching%20the%20Numbers:%207%20Signs%20of%20Dyscalculia)  

Dr. Shinn