Why can’t my child do addition?

Dyscalculia, or math dyslexia, is a learning disorder that affects a person’s ability to understand and process mathematical concepts. This can make it difficult for them to perform basic calculations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Dyscalculia affects about 5% of the population, which means that in a school of 100 students, there will likely be at least 5 students who have dyscalculia.

1 A brain with less work (Underactivation grey matter)

• Occipital cortex, Ventral occipitotemporal: This area is responsible for processing visual information, such as the numbers and symbols used in math.
• Right anterior temporal cortex: This area is responsible for understanding the meaning of numbers and symbols.
• Prefrontal cortex:This area is responsible for understanding the meaning of numbers and symbols(working memory).
• Biilateral superior parietal lobe, Intra-parietal sulcus: This area is responsible for visuospatial processing, which is important for tasks such as graphing and geometry.
• Hippcampus:This area is responsible for storing long-term memories, including math facts and formulas. 
• Fusiform gyrus: This area is responsible for recognizing words and symbols.

2 Slowed-Down Brain Fibers (Underconnectivity tract)

Many nerve fibers are working slowly, especially the fibers in the upper right brain. (right temporoparietal cortex, inferior longitudinal fasciculus, inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, caudal forceps, fusiform gyrus)

The brain and nerve fibers that are problematic are located in the temporal, parietal, occipital, frontal, hippocampus. Both sides are affected, but the right side is more affected than the left side.

To accurately diagnose this condition, you need to undergo the following tests: functional MRI, DTI (diffusion tensor imaging). However, this condition is not usually tested in regular hospitals, except in medical schools. Even then, it has to be very specific. In real life, it is not possible to get tested for this condition.

Children with these challenges can thrive if we understand them and provide the right support. Network Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (nTMS) has helped many children who struggle with reading, listening, or math. Modern technology offers even more hope for these children.