At 12Maths Singapore, we specialise in understanding how a child learns maths, and guiding them step by step toward meaningful progress.
Challenges Faced by Children with Dyscalculia in Maths
Many parents feel confused and worried when their child struggles with maths despite regular practice and tuition. The child may appear intelligent in other subjects but becomes anxious, frustrated, or withdrawn during maths lessons. In many cases, the root cause is Dyscalculia — a specific learning difficulty related to numbers.
What Is Dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia is a learning difference that affects how a child understands numbers, quantities, and mathematical concepts. It is not a lack of intelligence or effort. Children with Dyscalculia process numerical information differently and often require specialised teaching approaches.
Common Challenges Children with Dyscalculia Face
Children with Dyscalculia may experience some or many of the following difficulties:
- Poor number sense (difficulty understanding quantity or magnitude)
- Trouble recognising patterns or sequences
- Difficulty remembering basic math facts (e.g. times tables)
- Confusion with place value, fractions, and word problems
- Slow processing speed during calculations
- High levels of math anxiety and low self-confidence
These challenges often persist even after repeated practice, which can leave children feeling discouraged and parents feeling helpless.
Emotional Impact on the Child
Beyond academic struggles, Dyscalculia can strongly affect a child’s emotional well-being. Many children begin to believe:
- “I’m bad at maths.”
- “I’m stupid.”
- “I’ll never catch up.”
This negative self-belief can lead to avoidance, behavioural issues, or loss of motivation — especially if the child is compared with peers or pressured to perform.
Why Traditional Tuition Often Does Not Work
Conventional maths tuition usually focuses on:
- Speed
- Repetition
- Exam techniques
For children with Dyscalculia, this approach often reinforces failure rather than solving the root problem. Without addressing how the child’s brain processes numbers, extra practice alone can increase frustration instead of understanding.
How Specialised Math Therapy Helps
Specialised math therapy focuses on:
- Rebuilding number sense from the ground up
- Strengthening cognitive foundations
- Using structured, multi-sensory, and individualised strategies
- Reducing anxiety while building confidence
At 12Maths Singapore, intervention is tailored to each child’s learning profile, pace, and emotional needs — not a one-size-fits-all method.
Early Support Makes a Difference
With early identification and appropriate support, children with Dyscalculia can:
- Develop meaningful mathematical understanding
- Gain confidence in their abilities
- Learn effective strategies to cope with challenges
- Experience success in school and daily life
Final Thought for Parents
If your child consistently struggles with maths despite effort and support, it may not be a motivation issue — it may be a learning difference. Understanding this is the first step toward real progress.
