1. What is dyscalculia? Dyscalculia is:

“A specific and persistent difficulty in understanding numbers which can lead to a diverse range of difficulties with mathematics. It will be unexpected in relation to age, level of education and experience and occurs across all ages and abilities.”

“Mathematics difficulties are best thought of as a continuum, not a distinct category, and they have many causal factors. Dyscalculia falls at one end of the spectrum and will be distinguishable from other maths issues due to the severity of difficulties with number sense, including subitising, symbolic and non-symbolic magnitude comparison, and ordering. It can occur singly but often co-occurs with other specific learning difficulties, mathematics anxiety and medical conditions.” 

The Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) Assessment Standards Committee (SASC, 2019)

2. How common is dyscalculia? Dyscalculia affects around 5–7% of school-aged children in the UK—about two pupils in a typical class of 30. Despite this, it is underdiagnosed. Children with dyscalculia are over 100 times less likely to be identified than those with dyslexia, and support systems for them are limited.

3. What are the signs of dyscalculia? Dyscalculia symptoms vary but can include difficulty with basic number skills, such as counting, estimating, or recalling number facts. Click here to learn more about the signs.

4. What causes dyscalculia? The exact causes of dyscalculia are not fully understood, but it likely stems from differences in brain structure and function.

5. Can dyscalculia be outgrown? No, dyscalculia is a lifelong condition. However, specialist teaching can help individuals develop strategies to manage their difficulties with numbers.

6. Why have I not heard of dyscalculia? Research into dyscalculia only gained traction in the past 20 years, meaning our understanding is still catching up. Unfortunately, many learners with maths difficulties are simply labeled as "bad at maths," rather than being assessed for underlying causes.

7. How is dyscalculia different from other maths difficulties? Mathematical learning difficulties can result from a range of factors, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, or missed education. Dyscalculia, however, is at the severe end of this spectrum. A full diagnostic assessment is required to differentiate dyscalculia from other challenges.

8. What is a dyscalculia assessment? A dyscalculia assessment is a comprehensive evaluation to understand a learner’s maths difficulties. It includes:

• Background history.
• Tests for general ability, working memory, processing speed, and phonological skills.
• Specific dyscalculia tests to measure number sense, comparisons, and fluency.
• Academic skill assessments, such as literacy and writing speed.

The process combines standardized testing, diagnostic activities, and practical tasks to identify strengths and challenges, forming the basis for tailored interventions.

9. How much does an assessment cost? A full diagnostic assessment costs £650.

10. Why are prices different elsewhere? Cheaper assessments may not meet SASC (Specific Learning Difficulties Assessment Standards Committee) guidelines. Ensure the assessor has:

• A Level 7 qualification in diagnostic assessment.
• Knowledge of maths skills development through teaching practice.
• An Assessment Practising Certificate (APC).

11. What if the learner does not get a dyscalculia diagnosis? Even if dyscalculia is not diagnosed, the assessment identifies barriers to maths learning and provides strategies to overcome them.

12. Where does the assessment take place? Assessments are conducted at my home.

13. Can you assess online? No, online assessments are not currently approved by SASC.

14. How long does the assessment take? The assessment typically lasts up to five hours, although it may take longer for anxious learners. Reports are delivered within six weeks after the assessment.

15. How do I pay for an assessment? Full payment is required when booking. Cancellations:

• Within 14 days: fully refunded, provided no part of the assessment has started.
• Less than 14 days: non-refundable but may be rescheduled.

If I need to cancel due to illness or severe weather, I will arrange an alternative date.