Signs of dyscalculia at different ages
Expert reviewed by Daniel Ansari, PhD
Signs of dyscalculia aren’t always easy to spot. This checklist can give you a better idea of dyscalculia signs at different ages, like trouble with counting and number sense.
Keep in mind that all kids have trouble with math from time to time. But kids with dyscalculia struggle a lot more than other kids the same age.
Dyscalculia isn’t the same as math anxiety. But kids with dyscalculia often have strong emotions around math. They might get upset or frustrated when playing board games, for example.
Refer to this list of signs as you observe your child. Use it to talk about what you’re seeing with your child’s teacher or health care provider.
Signs of dyscalculia in preschool
Has trouble learning to count and skips over numbers long after kids the same age can remember numbers in the right order
Doesn’t seem to understand the meaning of counting — for example, when you ask for five blocks, your child just hands you a large group of blocks, rather than counting them out
Struggles to recognize patterns, like smallest to largest or tallest to shortest
Has trouble understanding number symbols, like making the connection between “7” and the word seven
Struggles to connect a number to an object, like knowing that “3” applies to groups of things like three cookies, three cars, or three kids
Signs of dyscalculia in grade school
Has trouble learning and recalling basic math facts, like 2 + 4 = 6
Still uses fingers to count instead of using more advanced strategies (like mental math)
Struggles to identify math signs like + and ‒ and to use them the right way
Has a tough time understanding math phrases, like greater than and less than
Has trouble with place value, often putting numbers in the wrong column
Signs of dyscalculia in middle school
Struggles with math concepts like commutativity (3 + 5 is the same as 5 + 3) and inversion (being able to solve 3 + 26 ‒ 26 without calculating)
Has a tough time understanding math language and coming up with a plan to solve a math problem
Has trouble keeping score in sports games and gym activities
Has a hard time figuring out the total cost of things and keeping track of money (like on a lunch account)
Avoids situations that require understanding numbers, like games that involve math
Signs of dyscalculia in high school
Struggles to read charts and graphs
Has trouble applying math concepts to money, like making exact change and figuring out a tip
Has trouble measuring things like ingredients in a recipe or liquids in a bottle
Lacks confidence in activities that require understanding speed, distance, and directions, and may get lost easily
Has trouble finding different approaches to the same math problem, like adding the length and width of a rectangle and doubling the answer to solve for the perimeter (rather than adding all the sides)
If you think your child has dyscalculia, learn about the next steps to take. You may want to talk with your child’s teachers about what you’re seeing. Together you can come up with a plan to get your child the right support.
