Mathematic Disorders

Individuals with mathematic disorders have problems recognizing numbers, doing calculations, or understanding abstract mathematical concepts.  For example, they may not remember how to use numbers in counting.  They have trouble understanding how numbers can apply to everyday situations.  A mathematics disorder is present in 1 out of 5 cases of learning disorder.  Individuals with mathematics disorders often cannot count in the correct sequence.  They may not be able to name numbers and perform addition and subtraction.  They may have spatial problems and difficulty aligning numbers into proper columns, as well as difficulty with the abstract concepts of time and direction, for example past and future.  Interestingly, people with math disorders may have normal or accelerated language acquisition such as verbal skills, reading, writing, and good visual memory for the printed word.  They are typically good in areas of science (until higher mathematical skills are needed), geometry (figures with logic, not formulas), and creative arts.   They are usually taught by being given math problem pertaining to everyday life, such as balancing a checkbook or comparing prices on a shopping trip.  See learning disorder.