Dyscalculia

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What is dyscalculia?

Every individual with dyscalculia experiences dyscalculia in their own way but it is associated with difficulty with numbers and mathematical concepts.

Challenges associated:

Difficulty in understanding and remembering mathematical, or number related concepts. (This may include drug calculations, fluid charts, syringe measurements and time).

☀️Difficulty in telling the time.

☀️Slower processing of calculations

☀️Maths or number anxiety

In nursing we know that accuracy in medication calculations is vital for patient safety. Some individuals who don’t understand dyscalculia appear to jump to the conclusion that those who have dyscalculia are not safe to be doing drug calculations, but this simply is NOT true. Yes, dyscalculia is associated with difficulty with numbers but this does not mean that dyscalculic individuals are completely unable to perform such tasks to high standards of safety. Dyscalculic individuals are likely to have their own way in which they work out calculations and number related problems. Many dyscalculic individuals just need time to put their own strategies in place to ensure their practice is safe. This may include taking time, using a calculation and double checking their work before administration.

Strengths associated

☀️Dyscalculia comes with many strengths such as:

☀️Empathy

☀️Strategic thinking

☀️Intuitive thinking

 ☀️Practical ability

☀️Hard working

 ☀️Great problem solving

☀️Oodles of creativity.

Anonymous student nurse stated: “Dyscalculia can sometimes make it difficult for me to remember certain number concepts. This is especially apparent when I feel rushed or judged. It is difficult for me when nurses in practice don’t understand my learning style or my difficulties and rush me when doing drug calculations or when they comment on my speed of working out. While some nurses give me the time, I need to do the workings out and drug preparation. To ensure my practice is safe, I take my time, check my calculation answers using a calculator and double and triple check my workings before preparing and administrating a drug. When given the time to work out a drug calculation and carry out number related task I perform well. I don’t perform well when rushed and under pressure. The best thing you could do for a dyscalculic student nurse is allow them the time they need to process the task without judgement.

Guidance from the British Dyslexia association and dyscalculia network offer some information about the diagnostic criteria for dyscalculia.  

How you can support colleagues and students who have Dyscalculia?

  • Have patience! Please don’t comment on the speed of an individual. Give them the time they need without pressure or judgement.
  • Allow the individual to put the strategies they need into action. (e.g., using a calculator, writing it down, checking notes, following a pattern, saying it out loud, finger counting).
  • Recognise the individual for who they are and find out how you can support them as an individual. This may be as simple as asking the individual how you can best support them and understand how they learn.
  • Educate yourself about the challenges and strengths of dyscalculia
  • Be mindful!
  • Be kind!