Dyscalculia alarm: Experts demand disadvantage compensation for those affected!

Dyscalculia alarm: Experts demand disadvantage compensation for those affected!

dyscalculia, also known as computing weakness, is a widespread, but often undetected disturbance that affects an estimated 2 to 8% of the population. This developmental disorder is difficult to understand the importance of numbers, to understand basic mathematical concepts and to correctly carry out mathematical operations. Dealing with numbers, despite normal intelligence, causes considerable problems, which often leads to fears of mathematics and a low performance motivation. Among other things, psychosomatic symptoms and a loss of quality of life among the children concerned include. One example is the 8-year-old child Lara, who, despite good performances in other subjects in mathematics, performs "insufficient" and thereby develops fears. Children in school age are particularly often affected, with girls suffered equally or even a little more than boys.

The WHO classifies dyscalculia as a mental illness. In Germany there has been an S3 guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of this computing disorder that is currently updated. This evidence -based guideline offers relevant recommendations for diagnostics, therapy and promotion of those affected. Basically, children with diagnosed dyscalculia are entitled to disadvantage compensation in different federal states, which means that special support measures must be provided in the education system. In Thuringia, for example, dyscalculia has been recognized as a partial service disorder since 2008, which is why subject teachers are obliged to create individual support plans.

dyslexia and dyscalculia in the education system

In 2023, the Federal Constitutional Court said that dyslexia is considered a disability, which stipulates the right to compensation for disadvantage for social participation. This progress raises the question of why dyscalculia is not treated as well. Educational politicians from Wurzler expressed concerns about existing deficits in Saxon teachers in dealing with dyscalculia. In Saxony, schools have to adapt lessons to the individual learning and development requirements of the students, whereby partial performance weaknesses must be taken into account. Appropriate funding measures should take place primarily in regular lessons.

In Saxony-Anhalt, dyscalculia has been taken into account as partial performance weakness in regular schools since 2023. Teachers are encouraged to keep an eye on the learning of the children and, if necessary, make adjustments in class. Teachers should recognize the need for support and take suitable measures, but there is no central evidence of the number of qualified teachers of dyscalculia in Saxony. Experts agree that targeted therapies can promote the mathematical understanding of those affected. Expert diagnosis and therapy is also fundamental, since dyscalculia can often lead to other mental illnesses such as fears or depression if no suitable help is provided.

diagnostics and therapy

The diagnosis of dyscalculia is carried out by specialists or psychotherapists, with a multi -dimensional approach being pursued. This includes anamnesis, test diagnostics and behavioral observations. Early diagnostics are particularly important in order to take suitable support measures in good time. These include targeted exercises to promote arithmetic skills, the use of tangible materials and the direct support of the parents to emotionally strengthen the child. Disadvantage compensation at school can include a time surcharge for exams or suspension of the grading.

Overall, it is essential that the public and especially the education system are sensitized to the topic of dyscalculia. Effective support measures are essential to open up perspectives and to sustainably improve their quality of life. In the coming years, an inclusive education, which also takes learning weaknesses such as dyscalculia into account, could be crucial to create a fairer and barrier -free society.

For further information on the subject of dyscalculia, interested parties can report the reports from MDR , lpk-rlp and Therapy.de consult.