This website about dyscalculia, I made for our son (17 years old now) who is suffering from dyscalculia. I used to be a teacher, so I am also writing from that point of view.

There is a difference between being bad in math and dyscalculia.
Therefore it is important to determine if it is a real dyscalculia or not.
Tests can give more insight in this matter.

As you could read at the website, dyscalculia consists of a package of different limitations, restrictions.
Memory problems seem to play a big role in dyscalculia though.
It took us as parents a long time before the diagnosis dyscalculia could be determined. Actualy only after primary school.
For the child it is the best to look at a problem as soon as possible, so something can be done about it. You will also limit feelings like incertitude with it. Important is, that doing math must not be seen as a negative issue.
You could ask at the school what the possibilities are for a test.
Also the school can contribute by observing the child and look at maybe other problems.

Dyscalculia isn't as known as dyslexia yet and is often not recognised nor understood.
Especially the relationship between the different limitations that are attached to dyscalculia. (losing track of space and time in a definite moment (spatial orientation), telling the time, bad memory, spelling problems and a lack of understanding).

An other aspect is, that too much math and exercising, can have a negative influence on math and the general mood of the child.
I believe that math and emotion are an item. It is therefore important to motivate the child in a positive way, without pushing it too much. Often a child itself indicates when it is time to stop.
Not the amount of calculations that is made is important, the way it is done is.

We were lucky, our son did not develop any other problems and has found a way to deal with his disability. He uses all kinds of tricks and is very creative in finding them. I.E. he programmed his watch so he is never late. Notes here and there so he doesn't for get things. He "uses" his sisters or a machine to do calculations :).
Shortly he is a great kid with so many other qualities. He will find his way!

I hope to have given a little contribution to the subject dyscalculia.
For further questions or remarks you can e-mail me: info@dyscalculie.org
or write in the guestbook.

best regards, Renée
The Netherlands