How are dyscalculia and autism related?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that influences how people learn, communicate, and behave. The condition affects people in different ways and can occur alongside learning disorders like dyscalculia — a specifier for a specific learning disability characterized by challenges with math.

Autism and dyscalculia share several overlapping symptoms, making it important to understand the differences so you can find the right support for yourself or others.

Is dyscalculia a form of autism?

Autism exists on a spectrum, but dyscalculia isn’t part of that spectrum. Instead, dyscalculia is a type of specific learning disorder that makes it difficult for people to understand and do math. 

Dyscalculia usually begins during childhood and is characterized by challenges with counting and recognizing numbers and patterns. Because it’s a lifelong condition, dyscalculia affects adults too. 

It’s common for people with dyscalculia to have trouble with:

• Telling left from right 
• Remembering names, dates, and faces
• Remembering numbers, like phone numbers and ZIP codes
• Doing mental math, like making change and calculating a tip
• Telling time 
• Remembering directions and judging how long it will take to get somewhere

Is it common for autistic people to struggle with math?

It’s common for people with autism to also have a learning disorder. So while being autistic doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be diagnosed with dyscalculia, you may have a higher likelihood of experiencing math-related challenges. 

Research suggests autistic people have poorer math skills than people without autism — especially when it comes to problem-solving and basic math skills like addition and subtraction.

There are a few potential reasons why this might be. To start, autism and dyscalculia are both neurodevelopmental disorders that cause a person’s brain to work a bit differently than other people’s. We know that if you have one type of neurodivergence, you’re more likely to have other co-occurring neurodevelopmental conditions.

Both conditions can affect specific cognitive skills, like your ability to focus and process information. They can also cause trouble with executive functioning, which involves skills like planning, organization, and understanding how specific details fit into a bigger picture. 

Sensory processing difficulties can also be a barrier to learning math for children with autism. According to some data, approximately 1 in 6 children have sensory issues, with a higher prevalence among autistic children than those without autism. For these children, it can be hard to focus on math skills when they’re overwhelmed by loud noises or distracted by what’s happening in the hallway, for instance. 

The importance of empathetic support for dyscalculia and autism

If you or someone you know is showing signs of a neurodevelopmental disorder, it’s best to see a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Autism and learning disorders like dyscalculia typically begin during childhood, and early intervention provides a better chance of addressing symptoms and improving daily functioning. 

Empathy, consistency, and supportive family and friends can be instrumental to success for children with dyscalculia and autism. Autistic children often benefit from a type of therapy called applied behavior analysis (ABA), which is used to teach new skills and behaviors, while managing dyscalculia typically involves a coordinated effort from parents, teachers, and mental health professionals to encourage learning in a supportive setting. 

For adults with autism and dyscalculia, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other types of talk therapy are often used to build executive functioning skills and improve emotional regulation. Therapy can also show people how to manage symptoms like anxiety, frustration, and low self-esteem. 

When discussing intervention and treatment, it’s important to note the goal is not to “fix” anything. Instead, it’s a chance for people with neurodivergence to learn how their unique strengths and challenges influence the way they interact with the world. Your therapist can adapt their treatment approach to better meet your communication preferences, abilities, and comfort level. 

Find care with Rula

When you have a lifelong disorder like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or dyscalculia, having access to resources and professional support is essential to your success. Working with a therapist can empower people with neurodevelopmental disorders to identify their strengths, cope with challenges, and improve daily living.

At Rula, we know how important it is to find the right therapist for your needs. Our therapist-matching program is designed to streamline the search so you can find a mental health provider who takes your insurance and is accepting new clients. With Rula, you can get access to personalized, collaborative care as soon as tomorrow.

Find a therapist with Rula