Hello Sue
We just got the results—dyscalculia. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. Part of me is relieved to finally have a name for what’s been going on. But mostly? I’m overwhelmed.
Math has always been a battlefield in our house. It’s not that my child isn’t trying—he is. We’ve done the extra lessons, the flashcards, the games, the tears. Nothing seems to stick. And now I know why, but I still don’t really know what to do next.
Google is a minefield. Some say practice more, others say don’t even bother with math. I don’t want to give up on my child’s potential, but I also don’t want to keep going in circles and crushing his confidence.
What actually helps? Where do we even begin?
I’d really appreciate your advice.
Gloria
Dear Gloria
A diagnosis of dyscalculia can feel overwhelming at first, especially if math has always been a source of stress or confusion for your child. But the good news is that, with the proper intervention and consistent support, children with dyscalculia can make meaningful progress.
The first step is understanding what dyscalculia is: a specific learning difficulty that affects a person’s ability to understand and work with numbers. It is not a sign of low intelligence or laziness. Children with dyscalculia may struggle with basic arithmetic, estimating quantities, telling time, and understanding math concepts such as place value and number lines.
Once diagnosed, it’s essential to seek structured, research-based interventions rather than relying solely on extra math practice or tutoring. Traditional methods often fail because they assume number sense is already intact. In the case of dyscalculia, this fundamental understanding needs to be built from the ground up.
Edublox programs aim to do precisely that. Instead of focusing only on math content, they work on the cognitive skills that underlie math learning—such as visual memory, attention, logical thinking, and sequential processing. By strengthening these foundational skills, Edublox helps children build the mental architecture they need to grasp and retain math concepts.
Edublox carefully incorporates cognitive development with structured academic math tutoring.
In addition to structured intervention, you can support your child at home by being patient and encouraging, and by avoiding negative talk about math. Provide them with tools such as number lines, visual aids, and real-world opportunities to work with numbers in a low-pressure environment. Most importantly, believe in your child’s potential. Dyscalculia is a challenge, not a life sentence.
Warm regards,
Sue
More about Sue
Sue is an educational specialist in learning difficulties with a B.A. Honors in Psychology and a B.D. degree. Early in her career, Sue was instrumental in training over 3,000 teachers and tutors, providing them with the foundational and practical understanding to facilitate cognitive development among children who struggle to read and write. With over 30 years of research to her name, she conceptualized the Edublox teaching and learning methods that have helped thousands of children worldwide. In 2007, she opened the first Edublox reading and learning clinic; today, there are 30 clinics internationally. Sue treasures the “hero” stories of students whose self-esteem soars as their marks improve.
