Causes of Math Difficulties

More than 30% of students in school today have significant difficulties learning math, in spite of normal or above-normal intelligence. There has been a wide range of problems or "symptoms" observed within this group, leading educators initially to propose that there were a number of different types of math learning difficulties.3 However, a careful review of the recent literature suggests that most symptoms can be ascribed to one of four main, well-established causes, each having its characteristic cluster of symptoms.

• The largest fraction of the students having math learning difficulties suffer from indequate preparation or ineffective early education in the underlying basic math operations that are required for math studies at their current level (or for their desired education or occupation, activities of daily living, etc.).

• A specific math learning disability of neurological, genetic/developmental origin (called dyscalculia) affects 5-7% of the population.8

• "Math anxiety," including any negative emotional reaction or attitude toward learning math, can be considered a primary cause if significant enough by itself to limit educational or career opportunities.

• Dyslexia not only affects reading but contributes to significant problems learning math. It affects the same number of people as dyscalculia9 but causes a different cluster of math learning difficulties.