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Dyscalculia Diagnostic Assessment Process

The term Dyscalculia is often used to describe someone who unexpectedly struggles to understand and achieve in Maths.

Information taken from the British Dyslexia Association.

The current working definition of Maths difficulties and dyscalculia is provided in the section 'SASC Definition of a Specific Learning Difficulty in Maths' below. This definition is designed to support assessors in diagnosing dyscalculia. The important points to note are as follows:

  • A specific learning difficulty in Maths is more common than dyscalculia.
  • A specific learning difficulty in Maths is caused by processing difficulties that impact on mathematical skills.
  • Dyscalculia is a difficulty particularly in understanding and working with numbers.
  • With dyscalculia, we may see age related difficulties with naming, ordering and comparing physical quantities and numbers, estimating and place value.
  • The impact of such difficulties on an individual’s mathematical ability can vary across individuals and across the lifespan.
  • Any difficulties in Maths may be affected by other factors including the environment and any co-occurring difficulties.

How can you get an assessment for dyscalculia and/or maths learning difficulties?

An informal assessment of maths learning difficulties or maths screening can be carried out by someone with experience in maths learning and learning difficulties.

The purpose of an informal assessment of maths difficulties is to determine where the difficulties are, so that a programme of support can be put in place to meet the needs of the learner, and address the areas where they are struggling.

The purpose of a screening test is to see if there are traits of dyscalculic behaviour which needs to be further investigated through a formal diagnostic assessment.

The BDA recommend that a formal diagnostic assessment should only be carried out by an assessor who is qualified to level 7 in the assessment of dyscalculia or dyslexia and has AMBDA dyscalculia. A level 7 qualification in the assessment of dyslexia alone is not considered by the BDA to be sufficient.

Last updated: 14/07/2025