Symptoms & Early Indicators of Dyscalculia in Children

Symptoms & Early Indicators of Dyscalculia (Math Problems) in Children

*  Age Range approximately from 7 to 11 years

The signs listed below are indicators only and do not constitute a diagnosis.

If a child shows several of the following symptoms or indicators, further investigation may be appropriate.  Likewise, if these difficulties persist beyond the age at which most children have grown out of them, they may indicate a risk of dyscalculia, and professional advice should be sought.

For ease of reading, s/he should be transposed where appropriate.

Number Sense and Quantity

Does the child frequently:

• Have difficulty understanding what numbers represent
• Struggle to recognise quantities without counting
• Find it hard to compare which number is larger or smaller
• Rely heavily on counting fingers beyond the expected age
• Find estimation very difficult

Number Recognition and Order

Does the child:

• Confuse numbers (e.g. 51 for 15)?
• Reverse or transpose numbers when reading or writing?
• Struggle to place numbers in the correct order?
• Have difficulty counting forwards or backwards (e.g. from 10 or 100)?

Understanding Mathematical Relationships

Does the child:

• Understand that 2 + 5 = 7, but not that 5 + 2 = 7?
• Struggle to grasp that numbers can be broken apart and recombined?
• Find place value, carrying, or borrowing confusing?
• Have difficulty understanding fractions or simple ratios?

Arithmetic and Calculation

Does the child have difficulty with:

• Basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division
• Learning and recalling times tables
• Mental maths
• Solving word problems
• Working out percentages or averages

Time, Money, and Measurement

Does the child struggle with:

• Telling the time (analogue and/or digital)
• Understanding concepts such as days, weeks, months, or quarters
• Learning the date
• Handling money or calculating change
• Understanding speed, distance, or measurement

Learning, Memory, and Anxiety

Does the child:

• Perform well in other subjects but struggle significantly with maths
• Become anxious or distressed during maths activities
• Avoid maths tasks whenever possible
• Answer questions correctly but be unable to explain how they reached the answer
• Find strategic planning difficult (e.g. board games such as chess)?

Strengths Often Seen in Children with Dyscalculia

Despite their difficulties with maths, children with dyscalculia often show strengths such as:

• Strong verbal or storytelling skills
• Creativity and imagination
• Good problem-solving in non-numerical contexts
• Original thinking and perseverance

Important Notes

Early identification and appropriate support are key to success.
With the right teaching approaches and understanding, children with dyscalculia can develop confidence and effective strategies for learning maths.

Please bear in mind that children vary tremendously at this age, and no single difficulty on its own indicates dyscalculia.

An Educational Psychologist or other appropriately qualified specialist can diagnose dyscalculia as part of a full assessment.

This information is a guide only and does not constitute medical or psychological advice.

If you are concerned about your child, you should seek professional advice as early as possible.

Updated by ©Maria Chivers Feb 2026
www.dyslexiaa2z.com

©Maria Chivers & Dr David E Cowell – Jan 2019
www.dyslexiaa2z.com

Maria Chivers © – Jan 2019