What are maths difficulties including dyscalculia?

There're various reasons why someone might have difficulties with their maths and number-based skills, and dyscalculia is just one of these which is why an assessment will consider the wider picture.

A specific learning difficulties (SpLD) in maths relates to how maths skills are impacted by a wide range of areas such as by language processing, visual-spatial difficulties, fluency and executive functioning. Dyscalculia, which is thought not to be as common, sits within this and it relates to where someone has specific challenges with 'numerical magnitude processing'. What does this mean? It relates to whether we can instantly understand, compare and manipulate numerical quantities, such as instantly comparing the size or amount of numbers without needing to count them. This can cause various issues including with place value and estimation.

Both an SpLD in maths and dyscalculia can be equally impactful on daily life. Maths difficulties can affect calculation skills, completing times table checks, budgeting, managing time, working out how long is left in exams, placing orders, splitting bills, handling ingredients/chemicals/medication, etc.

With the people you've seen who have dyscalculia or maths difficulties, what kinds of jobs do they do?

It can be helpful to know that having a specific learning difficulty doesn't mean that you can't achieve your goals. Indeed, many people with SpLDs have careers that play to their strengths which might include creativity, lateral thinking, being empathetic, etc. Over the years, I've assessed many adults with maths difficulties including doctors, dietitians, nurses, teachers and engineers.