Understanding Maths Dyslexia (Dyscalculia)
When Numbers Just Will Not Add Up: Understanding Maths Dyslexia (Dyscalculia)
By Rachel Barwell – Master Dyslexia
Not every learning challenge is loud. Some are quiet, persistent, and deeply misunderstood.
Over the years, I’ve worked with many intelligent, curious, creative children who come alive when telling a story, building something with their hands, or exploring the world through questions. But the moment numbers show up - be it in a maths book, a timetable, or a recipe - their confidence disappears.
That’s often the hidden face of Dyscalculia, sometimes known as Maths Dyslexia.
It is not about laziness. It is not about ability. And it’s certainly not about motivation. It is about the way some brains process quantity, order, space, and symbols.
What is Dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia affects a person’s ability to understand numbers and mathematical concepts. Just like dyslexia affects reading, dyscalculia affects the way we grasp number sense, retain facts, and see patterns.
People with dyscalculia may:
Confuse numbers like 6 and 9, or reverse 12 and 21
Forget basic number facts, even with repetition
Struggle with concepts of time, money, and direction
Find it hard to estimate or sequence
Avoid maths altogether due to anxiety or frustration.
These children aren’t ‘bad at maths’ - their brains are simply wired differently, and they need tools that work with those differences, not against them.
The Hidden Cost: Confidence
One of the most heartbreaking parts of this condition is the erosion of confidence that comes with it. When a child repeatedly struggles, even with simple tasks, they begin to internalise the belief that they are "not smart enough."
I’ve seen this time and again - a child who is inventive and articulate will quietly start to withdraw. They’ll avoid raising their hand, stop trying, or get angry during maths tasks. Not because they don’t care, but because it feels safer to give up than to keep failing.
Where Master Dyslexia Steps In
At Master Dyslexia, we don’t focus on fixing the learner - we focus on changing the way learning is delivered.
For dyscalculia, that means:
Grounding and orienting the learner so their nervous system is calm
Using physical, visual, and spatial tools to build number sense
Supporting memory and processing at a cognitive level
Rebuilding confidence step by step, with every small success.
We’re not just teaching maths. We’re teaching learners how to feel capable again.
A New Way Forward for Children and Adults
You’re never too old to learn differently. Whether you're a parent noticing signs in your child or an adult who has always felt uneasy around numbers, there is support available.
You’re not broken. Your brain simply needs a different approach. And that’s exactly what we offer.
📩 If this speaks to you or someone you care about, let’s talk.
Your discovery call is free, and it might be the beginning of something life-changing.
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