U of M Researchers Investigate Math Dyslexia

MINNEAPOLIS - If your grade school kids are having a tough time learning simple math, it may take more than homework to master the basics, according to researchers at the University of Minnesota.

Experts in the field of neuroscience, cognitive psychology and math education say that some children may struggle with a learning disorder similar to dyslexia.

While few parents would want to retake college algebra or trigonometry, some students struggle with simple addition and subtraction -- and it may be because of how the brain is wired.

At the Whizard Academy, tutors work with students of all ages to help teach mathematics. Claude Chenard says he can recognize common hang-ups.

“They may be doing fine at two digits, but once they get to three or four, their mind doesn’t see the numbers the way they saw them before,” said Chenard.

For some, that may indicate a learning disorder called dyscalculia.

“Kids with dyscalculia have trouble making that mapping from symbols to quantity,” explained Professor Sahank Varma. “This seems like a simple skill, but it derails a lot of the other mathematics they have to learn.”

Varma said researches at the U have now identified the neurocognitive disorder that inhibits the basic understanding of numerical and arithmetic concepts.

“It’s almost like their number lines are not so good,” said Varma. “They have a little more difficulty, but that difficulty snowballs.”

That, of course, can lead to frustration with the topic.

“The student really gets so frustrated and they’re trying so hard, but there is something they’re not in control of,” Chenard said.

It’s believed that between 5 and 10 percent of children struggle with dyscalculia, the same number affected by dyslexia.

When looking at the brain via an MRI, scientists can see the area that supports arithmetic and have discovered abnormalities in those that suffer from this type of disorder.

Yet, there is hope for affected students, because researchers are also trying to overcome the obstacle with interactive games to exercise the brain.