Having children requires sometimes hearing things you do not really want to hear or things you do not understand. There are times that, no matter how hard you try, you just cannot understand what something means or what you can do about it. One such case is being told that your child suffers from number dyslexia also known as dyscalculia.
First of all, understand that you are not alone. Although it can sometimes feel like you are, there are many other parents facing the same news all around the world. The next thing to comprehend is that although it may take some time and special instruction, number dyslexia is a disorder that can be coped with and overcome.
Number dyslexia is a disorder that can be hereditary or caused by trauma to the brain and is manifested by confusing numbers like other dyslexics confuse letters. In many cases it is a child's teacher that first notices the early symptoms and will suggest having a child tested. If the symptoms are noticed and the child is older than 8 years of age, it is probably wise to have them tested. Prior to that age, it is considered normal development for children to mix up or confuse numbers.
Once your child has been tested and diagnosed with dyslexia, you should understand that while your child had no choice in developing it, he has a good chance of overcoming the disorder. While there is no cure for dyslexia presently, there are several different treatments available to treat it.
Of the treatments that are available for a child with number dyslexia, most involve specialized education. If an educator tells you that your child needs to be placed in specialized classes to compensate for dyslexia, you should trust them, albeit not blindly. You are new to the world of dyslexic children, so listen to those that have more experience than you do, but also educate yourself with as much information as you can get your hands on and then take the action that makes sense for your child.
The number one ally of any child with dyslexia is a positive attitude. Parents can help their child develop a good attitude by using encouragement, supporting efforts made by the child, and enlisting, other relatives, and teachers to help as well. Be honest with your child and tell them that while numbers may be confusing for them, you know they can work hard to learn and that you will be there to help them. Point out other areas where they do excel.
It is difficult for anyone that does not suffer from the disorder to understand the difficulties associated with it and the time and effort it takes on the part of both parent and child to deal with it. Think of how often you use numbers. Now just for one minute, consider how difficult life would be if your brain could not process the numbers the way they appear. Many tasks would become difficult or impossible. That is what a number dyslexic has to deal with.
Number dyslexia is completely manageable with a clear plan, a positive effort, slight modification of the school setting and consistent support of the child.
