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Mathematics disorder - Symptom

Alternative Names

Developmental dyscalculia

Symptoms:

Early difficulties with arithmetic are noticed, as well as low scores in math classes and tests

Some of the problems seen include:

Trouble with reading, writing, and copying numbers
Problems counting and adding numbers, often making simple mistakes
Difficulty telling the difference between addition and subtraction
Problems understanding math symbols and word problems
Unable to line up numbers properly to add, subtract, or multiply
Unable to arrange numbers from smallest to largest, or the opposite
Unable to understand graphs

Signs and tests:

Standardized tests can assess the child's math ability. Grades and class performance can also help.

Reviewed last on: 4/26/2010
Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Kelly DP. Patterns of Development and Function in the School-Aged Child. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 30.

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