Math Learning Disorders
Math learning disabilities are often grouped along with other learning disabilities, rather than being studied or treated separately. This may be due to the abstract and difficult nature of math concepts and practices. With the invention of calculators, a math disability may also be harder to notice due to the frequent use of the calculators to determine a correct answer to a problem. It is thought that 1 percent of American students have a math learning disorder but not necessarily an other learning disorders.
Other People Are Reading
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Non-Specified
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Math learning disabilities are often grouped and treated with other learning disabilities as opposed to the method of treatment used in reading disabilities. While the treatment of the learning disorder may assist a student in learning a mathematical concept, without specialization on math learning disability, the student may be consistently behind in math skills. These math disabilities are often seen in an inability to complete a math process despite understanding the concept, a need to count in order to find an answer, or a lack of understanding in a variety of concepts that include the basics of math.
Mathematical Memorization
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A child or adult with a math learning disability may find it impossible to memorize different mathematical facts or learn the basics. This can be sever enough to prevent the disabled person to even add or subtract without counting hash marks or fingers. This can also be mild enough to cause difficulty in the action while still being possible. This is the most common form of math learning disability.
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Math Sign Interpretation
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Many math learning disabled children have difficulty in learning or defining the mathematical signs used in an equation. This may be due to the abstract nature of the signs or the associations with the signs. These same students may find it difficult to learn or follow the proper mathematical procedures such as carrying numbers over or the systematic arrangement of an equation. These conditions may surface at irregular intervals and may appear that the child is simply being careless with the numbers and patterns, rather than suffering from a math learning disability.
Concerns
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Math is vital to the adult world and a math learning disability should not be ignored. Math is used in most career paths and a lack of mathematical ability and understanding may limit a student's career options. Math is also necessary in order to secure financial balance, especially when calculating the income verses expenditures of a household. A math learning disabled person has a higher chance of bankruptcy than a mathematically competent person. Math disabled people may also display a tendency for depression, low self-esteem, higher drop out rates and behavior disorders.
Treatment
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Repetition can help a math learning deficient person learn the facts and memorize the math process. In addition, a math fact chart can help the student to continue his learning process while he builds on the basics of math. This math fact chart can include the formulas or simple answers needed in the math field. Covering the chart with a black marker as the student learns the processes can help to deter over reliance of the information. A calculator is not suggested to assist in the learning process because it simply provides answers rather than making the student work for the answer.
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References
Resources
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