Diagnostics of dyscalculia

Abstract

Developmental dyscalculia (DD) is a disorder with a high prevalence which often continues from childhood into adulthood. According to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) DD belongs to the specific developmental disorders and is characterized by impairment in speech, motor activity and visual-spatial perception. The discrepancy between intelligence and expected arithmetic abilities is the essential criterion for the diagnosis of DD and differential diagnostic guidelines are available. An extensive examination also suitable for preparing a therapeutic intervention should take the etiologic conception of DD into account and also impairment in visual information processing. This should also find expression in prudently selecting the appropriate diagnostic tests.