Could My Child Have a Math Learning Difficulty? A Parent Checklist
Many parents notice that math seems harder for their child than it should, even when everything else is going relatively well.
This checklist is designed to help parents identify patterns, not diagnose a problem.
You don’t need to check every box for math difficulties to be worth exploring.
Basic Number Sense
Your child may:
☐ Struggle to understand quantities (more vs. less)
☐ Have difficulty estimating amounts
☐ Count on fingers longer than expected
☐ Lose track when counting
☐ Mix up numbers (e.g., 6 and 9, 12 and 21)
☐ Have trouble understanding place value
Math Facts & Calculations
Your child may:
☐ Have difficulty memorizing math facts
☐ Forget math facts from day to day
☐ Rely on fingers or strategies long after peers don’t
☐ Take a long time to solve basic problems
☐ Make frequent calculation errors despite understanding the concept
Working Memory & Multi-Step Problems
You may notice:
☐ Trouble keeping numbers in mind while solving problems
☐ Difficulty following multi-step math directions
☐ Losing track of steps mid-problem
☐ Needing repeated reminders of what comes next
☐ Knowing how to start but getting stuck halfway through
Word Problems & Applied Math
Your child may:
☐ Struggle to understand math word problems
☐ Have difficulty deciding which operation to use
☐ Miss key details in written problems
☐ Feel overwhelmed by math language
☐ Do better with computation than word problems
School & Homework Patterns
You may notice:
☐ Math homework takes much longer than expected
☐ Tears, frustration, or avoidance around math
☐ Progress in math is slower than in other subjects
☐ Teachers say, “They understand it when we go over it together”
☐ Grades don’t reflect effort
Emotional & Behavioral Signs
Your child may:
☐ Say “I’m bad at math”
☐ Avoid math whenever possible
☐ Panic during math tests
☐ Shut down when math gets harder
☐ Show anxiety specifically tied to math
Early Signs (often overlooked)
Looking back, you may remember:
☐ Difficulty learning numbers
☐ Trouble with counting games
☐ Struggles with telling time
☐ Difficulty learning money concepts
☐ Confusion with basic math concepts early on
What This Checklist Does and Doesn’t Mean
✔ This checklist does not diagnose a math learning disability
✔ Math difficulties can look different in every child
✔ Struggling with math does not mean a child isn’t intelligent
✔ Many bright, capable children have specific math learning challenges
If several of these patterns sound familiar, it may be helpful to look deeper.
How a Neuropsychological Evaluation Can Help
A neuropsychological evaluation can help parents understand:
Whether a math learning disability (such as dyscalculia) is present
How number sense, memory, attention, or processing speed affect math
Why math feels harder than other subjects
What interventions and accommodations are most appropriate
How to support your child effectively at school and at home
For many families, this clarity replaces years of frustration and guesswork.
Math difficulties are brain-based, not effort-based.
If this checklist resonates, it doesn’t mean your child isn’t trying; it means they may need a different approach to learning math.
When math challenges are understood, children often feel relief, confidence, and renewed motivation.
Trust your instincts. Patterns matter.
