Definition of Mathematics disorder

Mathematics disorder: A condition characterized by math skills that are significantly below normal, given the person's age, intelligence, and education. A mathematics disorder can include problems writing or printing numbers, counting, adding and subtracting, interpreting simple mathematical signs such as +, -, x, and / and learning terms that include numbers.

Mathematics disorder often comes to attention in elementary (primary) school when math comes to the fore as a key part of the curriculum. Some experts believe about 1% of children in the U.S. have a mathematics disorder.

The diagnosis is confirmed by special psychoeducational tests. Treatment includes tutoring, placement in special math classrooms with expert math teachers, and other educational aids that focus on math skills.

Mathematics disorder can be seen as the counterpart to dyslexia or as a special form of dyslexia.