Could my 12 year old son have Dyscalculia?

Question

He has problems with math but is very good with science
And by problems in math he is in the 6th grade and he can barly do 3rd grade math he often lose's stuff
He doesnt know left from right
he has a hard time with direction even with a compass
He has a hard time even using a calculator
He has very bad short term memory
He also Has epilepsy

Answer 1

He very well may have dyscalculia. It's worth spending some time and money having him tested. It usually doesn't cause short term memory problems but he could be having problems because of not really having a firm grip on what he is trying to remember. Some epilepsy drugs can indirectly affect memory as well.

Answer 2

Hi, I too can relate. My son has epilepsy also, but he has dysgraphia[ HE CAN'T EXPRESS HIMSELF WELL WITH WRITING} . My theory is that this is the area of the brain were his seizures originate from. Hence the problem. I now homeschool him and he gets tutoring with a learning specialist and I hope this will help him. She explained he should be able to learn how to express himself, so hopefully your son, with time will be able to do the math skills that are important for life, not necessarily for school skills. My son also has bad short term memory and is disorganized. After a harrowing school year his guidance councilor suggested he had some Aspberger's tendancies. These kids are very smart but have some difficulties. I can tell you learning about this was very helpful to me, as I had been blaming the epilepy for a lot of his problems.We just need to remember they are great kids and they can't help their weaknesses. As for learning left from right. If he is left handed ask him to pretend to write when he needs to tell L or R then when he holds up his hand to write he will be able to see the right direction. Also many people write with their right hand . I hope this will help you. I am new to this as well, and it has been quite a learning experience. Best of luck .R.V.

Answer 3

He could have it. the best thing to do would be to take him to a specialist. Since dyscalculia is a form of dyslexia look for a dyslexia institute near you. Ask questions but know that his school wont be able to help him, they don't see dyslexia as a learning disorder, so they don't test for it. a good person to ask is John Gonzolas at the dyslexia support group right here on yahoo.

Answer 4

Sweetie, he really needs a check up with his pediatrician. I think you know that. Sometimes, with epilepsy, the seizures eventually take a toll on the child's brain. Get him help. He may need his medication adjusted, or ..... has he had more seizures lately?

Answer 5

I know what thats like, I have it. Ive failed math since i was in first grade and im an adult now. What you should do is get him tested for learning disabilities and tell them you think he might have it.
theres help for him to learn math and re train his brain to do things.

Answer 6

Have you checked out web sites that offer information like http://www.dyscalculia.org/ ? This site offers a whole lot of information you would probably find extremely helpful. They also have a diagnosis online link that includes a cost.

Answer 7

Here are the symptoms:

Normal or accelerated language acquisition: verbal, reading, writing. Poetic ability. Good visual memory for the printed word. Good in the areas of science (until a level requiring higher math skills is reached), geometry (figures with logic not formulas), and creative arts.

Difficulty with the abstract concepts of time and direction. Inability to recall schedules, and sequences of past or future events. Unable to keep track of time. May be chronically late.

Mistaken recollection of names. Poor name/face retrieval. Substitute names beginning with same letter.

Inconsistent results in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Poor mental math ability. Poor with money and credit. Cannot do financial planning or budgeting. Checkbooks not balanced. Short term, not long term financial thinking. Fails to see big financial picture. May have fear of money and cash transactions. May be unable to mentally figure change due back, the amounts to pay for tips, taxes, etc

When writing, reading and recalling numbers, these common mistakes are made: number additions, substitutions, transpositions, omissions, and reversals.

calculator Inability to grasp and remember math concepts, rules, formulas, sequence (order of operations), and basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts. Poor long term memory (retention & retrieval) of concept mastery- may be able to perform math operations one day, but draw a blank the next! May be able to do book work but fails all tests and quizzes.

globe May be unable to comprehend or "picture" mechanical processes. Lack "big picture/ whole picture" thinking. Poor ability to "visualize or picture" the location of the numbers on the face of a clock, the geographical locations of states, countries, oceans, streets, etc.

Poor memory for the "layout" of things. Gets lost or disoriented easily. May have a poor sense of direction, loose things often, and seem absent minded. (Remember the absent minded professor?)

May have difficulty grasping concepts of formal music education. Difficulty sight-reading music, learning fingering to play an instrument, etc.

May have poor athletic coordination, difficulty keeping up with rapidly changing physical directions like in aerobic, dance, and exercise classes. Difficulty remembering dance step sequences, rules for playing sports.

Difficulty keeping score during games, or difficulty remembering how to keep score in games, like bowling, etc. Often looses track of whose turn it is during games, like cards and board games. Limited strategic planning ability for games, like chess.

Answer 8

no idea.