Dyslexia Support Lancashire
Helen Nelson - Specialist Teacher and Assessor
BA Hons, Post Graduate Diploma SpLD, AMBDA, APC, MDG 

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What is Dyscalculia ?

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In England, Dyscalculia is considered to be a sub-category of a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD) in mathematics. The SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (England 2025) defines SpLDs in mathematics and dyscalculia as follows;

‘A specific learning difficulty in mathematics is a set of processing difficulties that affects the acquisition of arithmetic and other areas of mathematics. In dyscalculia, the most commonly observed cognitive impairment is a pronounced and persistent difficulty with numerical magnitude processing and understanding that presents in age related difficulties with naming, ordering and comparing physical quantities and numbers, estimating and place value.

Some individuals may not present with a specific cognitive impairment in numerical magnitude processing but have an equally debilitating specific learning difficulty (SpLD in mathematics) due to other processing difficulties. Difficulties in language, executive function (verbal and visuo-spatial working memory, inhibitory control) and visual-spatial processing may also contribute.

A SpLD in mathematics frequently co-occurs with one or more of the following: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, developmental language disorder (DLD) and developmental coordination disorder (DCD).

Maths anxiety also commonly co-occurs with a SpLD in mathematics but is not an indicator in itself.’

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Dyscalculia/SpLD in Maths Assessment

£545 Only available face to face

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A full dyscalculia assessment takes approximately 3 - 4 hours and is best split over two sessions.

It includes a full range of tests including tests of underlying ability, cognitive processing, attainments in literacy and a range of numeracy tasks. A detailed report is included with recommendations for teaching.

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Dyscalculia/SpLD in Maths Screening

£225 Only available face to face

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This is a 2-hour dyscalculia screening test. This includes a reduced number of tests which will identify maths strengths and weaknesses and assess if these are likely to be caused by Dyscalculia.  A short report is provided ( about 4-6 pages) and provides recommendations for parents and school. This can be combined with a dyslexia screening for £395. 

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Combined Dyslexia and Dyscalculia/SpLD in Maths Assessment

£890 face to face only

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Approximately 60% of dyslexic individuals have difficulties with numeracy, and this is part of their dyslexic profile. Dyscalculia is a specific difficulty with maths, which is very severe and often means the student has very little concept of numbers. This assessment will identify whether numerical difficulties are related to their dyslexic profile or are the separate co-occurring Specific Learning Difficulty known as dyscalculia.

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This assessment includes a full dyslexia test taking around 3 hrs. In addition, a range of numeracy tests will be administered, which take an additional  1-1.5 hours.

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These tests will be normally be administered over two sessions, with the dyslexia testing taking place first.