Dyscalculia: A Maths Disability or a Creative Mind at Work?
Dyscalculia affects numerical processing, sequencing, and spatial awareness, but often comes with exceptional strengths in creativity, intuition, and problem-solving—particularly in areas that rely on big-picture thinking rather than step-by-step mathematical logic.
Here is a list of common characteristics that may be seen in a dyscalculic individual. As with other neurodivergent profiles, not every individual with dyscalculia will display all of these characteristics, and the specific challenges and strengths can vary from person to person. Additionally, a person's difficulties may fluctuate depending on the situation, stress levels, or how information is presented.
Explore Common Characteristics by downloading our complimentary PDF
Lifting The Lid
All learners can benefit from experiential mastery of some of the more advanced mathematical processes, including algebra, number bases, and factorising quadratic equations using clay-based learning.
Dyscalculia, a learning difficulty affecting numerical understanding, is as prevalent as dyslexia but far less recognised. Individuals with dyscalculia often develop coping strategies like rote memorisation or reliance on calculators, masking their struggles. Many also face challenges with time management and interpreting mathematical symbols.
The Davis Mastery for Maths Programme addresses these difficulties through hands-on, concept-based learning, helping individuals build a solid foundation in mathematical understanding. By uncovering the logic behind numbers and equations, this approach empowers learners to move beyond memorisation and truly grasp mathematical concepts.
Explore Dyscalculia by downloading our complimentary PDF
The Literacy of Numeracy
The Literacy of Numeracy — Maths In Reading And Writing
Many years ago, I worked with a boy who struggled with both literacy and numeracy.
While another programme had helped him master arithmetic, he still found word-based maths problems challenging. Even after improving his reading, he remained stuck on a seemingly simple problem:
Jake earns £100. Joe earns £20 less than Jake. How much does Joe earn?
Despite his strong arithmetic skills, he couldn’t recognise this as a subtraction problem. This highlights a common issue for many learners—understanding maths in context requires more than just number skills.
To solve a maths story problem, one must:
-
Read and picture the scenario.
-
Identify the required arithmetic.
-
Perform the calculation.
By combining visualisation, hands-on modeling, and word mastery, mathematically challenged learners can gradually build confidence and clarity in solving word-based math problems.
Explore solutions to literacy in numeracy by downloading our complimentary PDF
Dyscalculia: Disability or Thinking Style?
By shifting the perspective from “deficit” to “difference,” we open doors for dyscalculic individuals to leverage their natural strengths, transforming what is often seen as a struggle into an opportunity for unique mathematical understanding.
Disability or Thinking Style; download our complimentary PDF
Recommended Reading
Ron Davis’s The Gift of Dyslexia revolutionised how we understand and support dyslexic learners. Rather than viewing dyslexia as a disability, Davis reframed it as a unique way of thinking—one that is highly visual, intuitive, and creative. He recognised that dyslexic individuals are often global thinkers who perceive the world in multidimensional ways, allowing them to excel in problem-solving, storytelling, and innovation.
Counting on Fingers: Why Some Bright And Creative People Struggle With Numbers And Maths, And How That Can Be Changed, Richard Whitehead and Ronald D. Davis. In this book, former Special Educational Needs Coordinator and Davis Methods specialist Richard Whitehead explores how dyscalculic individuals typically think and learn, and why traditional approaches to mathematics instruction so often fail to reach these individuals. He reveals the core principles of the Davis Mastery for Maths Programme in which he has specialised for the past two decades, and he provides a number of scripted procedures which he uses to help mathematically challenged individuals achieve new and unexpected success.
Watch our free webinar
Visit our knowledge base
Why choose Davis?
Flexible Support Options: Access Davis facilitators across the United Kingdom & Ireland. Many of our facilitators are experienced in delivering effective help both online and in-person, ensuring your child receives the best possible support, regardless of location.
Culturally Attuned: Our programmes are tailored to fit seamlessly into the independent, state, and home-based educational systems and cultural contexts, making it easier for your child to adapt and excel.
Proven Results: Many parents report dramatic improvements in their children’s academic performance and self-confidence after participating in our programmes.
Book a free 30-minute consultation
Finding effective, educational support can be daunting. You may feel that every intervention tried—from tutoring to remedial programmes — offers only partial solutions.
Our approach is designed to provide comprehensive, common-sense support, addressing the core challenges your child faces.
Unlock Potential with the Davis Method — empowering change, often within days
Contact us today to transform your child’s educational experience.
