A learning disability in applied math affects the learner's ability to use math skills to correctly solve problems.
Learning Disabilities in applied math skills likely involve difficulty with numerical language processing and visual reasoning centers of the brain. They are likely hereditary and are not solely the result of problems with expressive or receptive language, visual or hearing problems, lack of instruction, or other learning disabilities, but they can be complicated by these conditions.
People with Learning Disabilities in applied math skills have difficulty solving math problems that involve using math computation to solve real world problems. They may have no difficulty solving problems in basic form, but they are unable to solve word problems because they cannot determine what elements are important or what operations to use. As with other LDs, students may withdraw, avoid math, or may develop behavior problems.
Instruction for Learning Disabilities in Math - Evaluation can provide information to help educators develop effective strategies. Typical strategies focus on work with hands-on materials to help learners visualize what happens in the problem-solving process. Mediated problem solving can help learners grasp and understand main concepts involved in word problems. Remembering how to perform operations may be difficult for them because they do not grasp the underlying concept of the task.
