TTS Talking Early Years Episode 13 | Defining dyscalculia and why talk helps with Rob Jennings
Sep 11, 2025
Rob Jennings, a specialist maths teacher and co-founder of the Dyscalculia Network, discusses the often-misunderstood learning disorder dyscalculia. He sheds light on the importance of early identification and support, highlighting how a lack of recognition can have lasting effects into adulthood. The conversation dives into the connection between language skills and mathematics, the role of digital technology in learning, and the need for interactive teaching methods to help children overcome these challenges.
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Core Definition Of Dyscalculia
- Dyscalculia is defined as pronounced and persistent difficulty processing numerical magnitude, including naming, ordering and comparing quantities.
- It also commonly impairs estimating and understanding place value which underpins many maths skills.
Maths Stigma Hides Real Difficulty
- Public acceptance of 'being bad at maths' reduces recognition and concern about maths difficulties compared with conditions like dyslexia.
- Awareness and assessment of dyscalculia remain low both in the general public and within education systems.
Listen And Build Support Networks
- Raise awareness by listening to research and people with lived experience when defining and describing dyscalculia.
- Build representation and support networks for maths difficulties similar to those for dyslexia and autism.