Dyscalculia and Mathematics Difficulties
Understanding Your Child’s Struggle with Maths
Many parents come to me feeling worried and frustrated because their child finds mathematics really challenging. They have tried everything they can think of, from extra tutoring to working closely with teachers, yet their child still struggles. It is not just about getting a few sums wrong; it can affect confidence, motivation, and even self-esteem.
What is Dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia is a specific learning difficulty that affects maths in a similar way to how dyslexia affects reading and spelling. Its impact can be just as significant. Children with dyscalculia often have difficulties with both symbolic and non-symbolic magnitude processing. This means understanding what a number represents, recognising its size, and ordering quantities can feel confusing. Their mental number line, the intuitive sense of what makes a number bigger or smaller, may not develop in the usual way. As a result, tasks like comparing numbers, grasping place value, and working out arithmetic can be much harder than they appear.
Co‑occurring Challenges
Dyscalculia can also exist alongside other learning challenges. Memory, processing speed, and literacy skills can influence maths learning. Research shows that co‑occurrence is common in children. Around 40 to 60 per cent of children with reading difficulties also experience challenges with maths. This means that a child who struggles with reading may also find number concepts confusing, highlighting the importance of understanding the underlying difficulties. (BDA)
How an Assessment Can Help
When you book a dyscalculia assessment, we focus on understanding your child as a whole. We explore both areas of difficulty and the strengths that can be built upon. The assessment is supportive and confidence boosting, providing a clear picture of where challenges lie. Most importantly, it gives practical strategies for parents and schools to help your child thrive in their learning.
Building Confidence and Success
Watching a child struggle can be hard, but with the right insight and support, children with dyscalculia can make real progress and gain confidence in maths. An assessment is the first step in uncovering what is happening and giving your child the tools to succeed. If your child is experiencing persistent difficulties with maths, reaching out to arrange an assessment can open the door to understanding, support, and positive change.
Assessment Day and Travel Arrangements
My preference is to carry out assessments within the school setting, as this provides a familiar and supportive environment for the child. It also enables valuable liaison with the staff involved in mathematics teaching, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the child’s strengths and areas of difficulty.
I am happy to travel at no extra cost within 5 miles of central Reigate. For locations beyond this, a travel fee will apply. I have experience assessing children across Surrey, South London, and Kent, and I am happy to drive up to one hour to your child’s school. Please get in touch to discuss arrangements and travel requirements.
Testimonial
Kersten made the assessment process clear and smooth sailing. My daughter knew exactly what would happen and enjoyed the process. Kersten is really encouraging, positive and thoroughly knows her stuff! To receive a diagnosis of dyscalculia was incredibly affirming for both of us and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Kersten to anyone wanting to explore this further.
V. - Reigate (July 2025)
Thank you so much for the below and your support throughout the process! It was a pleasure! R absolutely loved meeting and working with you.
A. - Horley (September 2025)
