What is dyscalculia?

How dyscalculia shows up

The signs of dyscalculia can appear early and persist throughout the school years:

• Persistent difficulty learning to count and to memorise the sequence of numbers
• Confusion with number symbols (6 and 9, 2 and 5)
• Difficulty grasping the concept of quantity (more than, less than)
• Difficulty memorising times tables, even with great effort
• Frequent errors in simple addition and subtraction
• Difficulty telling the time, handling money or following sequences
• Marked anxiety when faced with maths or calculation tasks

These signs do not mean the child can't learn maths. They mean they need a different approach — and specialist support.

Dyscalculia and dyslexia: differences and common ground

Dyscalculia and dyslexia are distinct difficulties, but they often co-occur: it is estimated that up to 40% of children with dyslexia also have some degree of dyscalculia.

Both are specific learning difficulties of neurological origin that do not reflect the child's general intelligence. Both respond well to specialist, personalised intervention.

A comprehensive assessment makes it possible to pinpoint exactly which areas are affected — and to build an intervention plan that covers them all.

How common is dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia affects around 5% to 7% of people — roughly one in fifteen. It is far more common than many families realise.

It often co-occurs with other learning difficulties. It frequently appears alongside dyslexia and also ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

Why it happens

Dyscalculia has a genetic basis. A child with relatives who have dyscalculia is around ten times more likely to develop it.

It can arise in two ways. Acquired dyscalculia results from a neurobiological injury; developmental dyscalculia is a neurodevelopmental condition, present from early in the child's life.

The consequences go beyond grades

Dyscalculia can affect school results — but its impact doesn't stop there.

When the difficulties aren't understood, a child can lose self-confidence. Negative attitudes towards maths can take hold and, over time, develop into anxiety. That is why early support makes such a difference.

Common characteristics

Beyond the more visible signs, certain patterns often go hand in hand with dyscalculia:

• Prolonged use of immature strategies, such as counting on fingers long after peers have moved on
• Needing more time than usual to work through maths exercises
• Difficulty estimating distances and comparing quantities

How we help

At the Clínica de Dislexia, we support children and adults with dyscalculia through a structured, personalised approach. The process always begins with a detailed assessment that maps out each person's specific profile.

The intervention uses evidence-based techniques to build numerical concepts and mathematical reasoning on solid ground — at a suitable pace and in a welcoming environment.

We offer in-person support at our Matosinhos centre and online sessions for families across the country and abroad.