Dyscalculia Screening Test

🧩 Ages 6–12

A child-friendly observational screening tool to help identify possible signs of dyscalculia.

Important: This screening is for informational and classroom or at-home use only. It does not diagnose dyscalculia. Only a trained professional can evaluate or diagnose learning disorders.

How to use this test

Present each task verbally and, when possible, also on paper.
Allow the child to respond without calculators or digital tools.
Note tasks that are avoided, very difficult, or inconsistent.
Use the informal scoring guide to determine next steps.

Section 1

Number sense

Goal: Check understanding of quantity, value, and number relationships.

Number Sense Tasks
Task	Instructions	What to observe
1. Dot quantity match	Show 7 dots randomly arranged. Ask: “How many dots are there?”	Slow counting, losing track, guessing, or repeated recounting.
2. Number comparison	Write 14 and 41. Ask: “Which number is bigger?”	Digit reversal or focusing only on the first digit.
3. Number line placement	Show a line from 0 to 20. Ask where 8 and 15 belong.	Poor estimation or clustering numbers at extremes.

Section 2

Basic arithmetic

Goal: Observe how the child processes simple operations.

Basic Arithmetic Tasks
Task	Instructions	What to observe
4. Simple addition	Ask: “What is 6 + 7?”	Long pauses, finger counting, or guessing.
5. Simple subtraction	Ask: “What is 12 − 5?”	Confusion about operation or number reversal.
6. Mental math story	“You have 10 apples. You eat 3. How many are left?”	Needs concrete supports for very simple problems.

Section 3

Working memory for math

Goal: Assess ability to hold and manipulate numbers mentally.

Working Memory Tasks
Task	Instructions	What to observe
7. Numbers backwards	Say 3–8–2 and ask for reverse order. Try longer if successful.	Mixes order or cannot complete short sequences.
8. Two-step instruction	“Draw 4 circles. Then draw 2 stars inside each.”	Forgets steps or alters quantities.

Section 4

Everyday math skills

Goal: Identify real-life math challenges.

Everyday Math Tasks
Task	Instructions	What to observe
9. Time estimation	Ask the child to tell you when 5 minutes have passed.	Estimates far off target.
10. Money handling	Count coins totaling $0.65.	Difficulty adding coin values or restarting.
11. Size comparison	Compare length and weight of everyday objects.	Struggles despite visual and tactile cues.

Section 5

Pattern recognition

Goal: Check sequencing and prediction skills.

Pattern Recognition Tasks
Task	Instructions	What to observe
12. Number pattern	Complete: 2, 4, 6, __. Then 5, 10, 15, __.	Cannot identify simple patterns.
13. Shape pattern	Complete: ▲ ● ▲ ● ▲ __.	Misses alternating logic.

Informal scoring guide

Cannot complete independently
Shows confusion or distress
Gives inconsistent answers

0–3 challenges: Likely within typical variation.

4–7 challenges: Consider targeted support and monitoring.

8+ challenges: Consider formal evaluation.