MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Mathematics disorder

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Mathematics disorder

Contents of this page:
Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests Treatment	Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention

Definition

Mathematics disorder is a condition characterized by mathematical ability substantially below expected given a child's age, general intelligence, and education.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Children who have mathematics disorder may have trouble performing simple mathematical equations, such as counting and adding. These abilities are critical for the success later in school.

Mathematical disorder may appear in combination with reading disorder, developmental coordination disorder, and mixed receptive-expressive language disorder.

Symptoms

Early difficulties with arithmetic
Trouble with counting and adding
Low scores in mathematics

Signs and tests

Standardized tests are of greatest value in assessing the mathematical ability, as is corroborating history from grades and class performance.

Treatment

The best treatment is remedial education. Other programs that have been successful are "Project Math" and teaching computer skills.

Expectations (prognosis)

Early intervention improves the chances of a better outcome.

Complications

The child may have problems in school, including behavior problems and loss of self-esteem.

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have any concerns about your child's development.

Prevention

Affected families should make every effort to recognize existing problems early. Intervention may begin as early as kindergarten or elementary school age.

Update Date: 1/26/2003

Updated by: David Taylor, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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