Mathematics & Cognition

There has been less research into the nature and causes of mathematical difficulties in comparison to some other disorders like reading or coordination disorders. Like in another cases, we have an example of a specific difficulty in acquiring a critical educational skill. The typical developmental pattern for mathematical skills is very complex and hard to understand. We call “dyscalculia” to the impairment of calculation and “acalculia” to the inability to perform calculation (both of them are typical in adult neurology after some damage in the brain).
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV, APA) defines mathematics disorders as “the mathematical ability measured by individually administrated standardized tests is substantially below that expected, taking in account the chronological age, measure of intelligence and age-appropriate education”.