Dyscalculia is a learning impairment that results in problems with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, among other arithmetic skills. Issues with other math-related tasks and activities can also result from dyscalculia.
For many children with dyscalculia, their math problems can lead to ingrained anxiety and a fear of numbers that persist well into adulthood. Imagine seeing your kid struggle with something that appears so straightforward to others but is something so foreign to them.
What is math anxiety?
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, math anxiety falls within the category of generalized anxiety disorder. However, not all math anxiety sufferers would fit the description of general anxiety disorder. Additionally, the context specificity of math anxiety sets it apart from other anxiety disorders. Math anxiety is described as context-dependent stress brought on by mathematically themed experiences.
Anytime a child with math anxiety must apply arithmetic abilities, whether it be in class or while figuring out a simple calculation in daily activities, a child with math anxiety may experience worry. Some children may only experience it when they cannot write things down or use a calculator. Others could experience it even if they have access to these resources.
Math anxiety and dyscalculia
Math anxiety and dyscalculia are two distinct disorders, even though they both have to do with arithmetic and math-related events. That does not preclude the possibility of some overlapping between them, though.
People are more inclined to steer clear of mathematics courses, fields, and jobs if they frequently feel anxious about math. As a result, anxiety related to mathematics hinders short-term learning by compromising performance, and it hinders long-term learning by discouraging students from pursuing career routes and possibilities in mathematics.
Math anxiety is a prevalent occurrence in math classes, which exacerbates the issue even more.
Spotting math anxiety in dyscalculic students
To understand how to spot math anxiety, you, as a parent, need to understand what math anxiety is. According to Dr. Leah from Psyforu, on average, math anxiety results from a fear of failing or bad math-related experiences.
In basic terms, math anxiety explains anxiety or dread related to doing mathematical computations. In contrast to kids without learning difficulties, dyscalculic kids may exhibit math anxiety as early as the first few years of elementary school. Children with dyscalculia may experience anxiety in mathematical situations since they are often aware of their limitations. They do even worse as a result of this anxiousness and their learning challenges.
According to Keir Williams from Dyslexia UK, here are common signs to watch out for:
• Physical symptoms: Sweating, nausea, increased heart rate, or even dizziness often occur when faced with math challenges.
• Emotional responses: Feelings of panic, frustration, or helplessness are common.
• Avoidance behaviors: Many people with math anxiety actively avoid anything math-related, such as skipping homework or avoiding tests.
• Cognitive overload: A racing mind or inability to focus during mathematical tasks, often leading to mistakes or freezing up.
Link between dyscalculia and math anxiety
Keir Williams further explains that math anxiety and dyscalculia are strongly related and can reinforce each other. Dyscalculia may make mathematical skills seem impossible. Anxiety brought on by this ongoing fight might make the issue worse. Children who have dyscalculia may encounter:
• A strong anxiety about making mistakes or seeming foolish when working with numbers or mathematical concepts is known as psychological strain.
• Self-doubt: Persistent arithmetic difficulties can gradually undermine confidence and make people feel unworthy.
• Avoidance patterns: Dyscalculia might promote avoidance behaviors since it makes it extremely difficult to process numbers and comprehend fundamental arithmetic concepts.
What causes math anxiety?
The causes of math anxiety are thought to be varied and complex, but they may include the pressure caused by time limits on tests and the fear of public embarrassment.
Eihab Khasawneh, Cameron Gosling, and Brett Williams say math anxiety may be exacerbated by unfavorable experiences at home and in the classroom. For example, suppose a student has a strict math teacher who often scolds students for incorrect answers or gives the impression that math is all about memorization. In that case, the student may feel anxious about math class. This fear could lead them to believe that they aren’t good at math, even if they haven’t had a chance to truly engage in the subject or develop a deeper understanding of it.
Math anxiety revolves around a rigid attitude or belief regarding achievement and learning in mathematics, such as “I am not good at math,” “My parents were bad at math, so I am too,” or “I’m just not a math person.” These assertions all demonstrate the idea that the potential of mathematics is unchangeable. Children who feel that their aptitude for mathematics is set are unlikely to believe that practice or effort would enhance their understanding of the subject.
Treatment for math anxiety
A physician or mental health specialist may recommend the following tactics, says Mary West:
• Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, teaches people how to swap out anxious ideas for more sensible ones.
• Through reasonable steps, exposure therapy exposes a patient to the root of their anxiety.
• Teachers and parents exhibiting good attitudes toward mathematics.
Sue du Plessis, an academic advisor at Edublox, believes alleviating the symptoms of dyscalculia or math difficulties is the most effective way to eliminate math anxiety. Edublox is an educational method that integrates cognitive training with live online tutoring for students with mild, moderate, and severe dyscalculia.
Conclusion
The ability to complete even the most fundamental arithmetic-related tasks can be significantly impacted by math anxiety. Poor academic or professional performance can result from even modest math anxiety, which can harm one’s general mental health and well-being. Unless treated, math anxiety can impact students long into adulthood.
Edublox offers cognitive training and live online tutoring to students with dyscalculia and other learning difficulties. Our students are in the United States, Canada, Australia, and elsewhere. Book a free consultation to discuss your child’s learning needs and learn more below:
References:
- Costa, H. Math anxiety in children with dyscalculia. Discalculia. [Accessed March 15, 2025].
- Khasawneh, E., Gosling, C., & Williams, B. (2021). What impact does maths anxiety have on university students? BMC Psychology, 9(1).
- Leah, D. (2025). Is it more than just math anxiety? Identifying dyscalculia in children. Psyforu. [Accessed March 14, 2025].
- Lockett, E. (2022). Tackling math anxiety: From diagnosis to treatment and more. Healthline. [Accessed March 17, 2025].
- Nisbet, J. (2019). Overcoming math anxiety: 12 Evidence-based tips that work. Prodigy. [Accessed March 18, 2025].
- Reeve, R.A., & Waldecker, C. (2017). Evidence-based assessment and intervention for dyscalculia and maths disabilities in school psychology. In: M. Thielking & M. Terjesen (eds.). Handbook of Australian School Psychology (pp. 197-213). Springer, Cham.
- Weir, K. (2023). How to solve for math anxiety? Studying the causes, consequences, and prevention methods needed. American Psychological Association. [Accessed March 14, 2025]
- West, M. (2022). Math anxiety: Definition, symptoms, causes, and tips. MedicalNewsToday. [Accessed March 13, 2025].
- Williams, K. (2025). Dyscalculia vs maths anxiety: Understanding key differences and getting support. Dyslexia UK. [Accessed March 16, 2025].