As many educators are not yet fully aware of Dyscalculia and the public in general has not heard of it either, it is good to ensure some myths about Dyscalculia are dispelled.

Dyscalculia is Dyslexia but than for Math

No that is not accurate. Although there are similarities between the conditions they actually affect a totally different part of the brain. There are lots of students who have both conditions and need help reading the words and learning the numbers!

Dyscalculia means you will never be able to do Math

No not true, you need help learning it but eventually you will be able to work with Math. It is the learning that causes issues, not the understanding of the material.

People with Dyscalculia have lower IQ’s

Not true at all, IQ has nothing to do with Dyscalculia. A low IQ may also be a problem for learning Math but Dyscalculia is a dysfunction of a part of the brain processes and all other areas are not affected where someone with a low IQ will have problems with all areas of learning.

Compared to Dyslexia there are not that many people with Dyscalculia

Also not true, in fact the prevalence is about the same. It is true however that less people with Dyscalculia get diagnosed but that is why we created this Dyscalculia Awareness Training.

Dyscalculia is the same as number blindness

No not true, although Dyscalculia goes by many different names. Some public schools refer to it as a “mathematics learning disability.” Doctors sometimes call it a “mathematics disorder.” Many kids and parents call it “math dyslexia.” and yes number blindness is also a name it has been called. Some people also confuse Dyscalculia with Math Anxiety. These are separate conditions but one may impact the other. 

Dyscalculia is just another way of saying Math is not your thing

Totally not true. This is unfortunately why many people will brush off early signs of Dyscalculia as “Math is not his thing”, “She is just not so much into Math” and other common justifications. When a baby is slow to start walking we don’t say “ oh walking is not his thing, let’s give up on teaching him to walk”. Likewise if someone is slow starting to read and write we don’t say “oh writing is just not his thing, so let’s stop teaching him to write the alphabet”. Similarly for Dyscalculia, it is possible for everyone to learn Math, we just need to diagnose the condition people have and find ways around their learning disability.

There are many more myths and half-truths that go around. It is important to remember that Dyscalculia is a serious condition and needs to be identified as soon as possible.