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Warning-sign checks

Mathematics disorder: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency help for thoughts or plans of self-harm.

    Sudden loss of calculation ability also needs emergency assessment when it occurs with confusion, facial drooping, weakness, severe headache, trouble speaking, a seizure, or a recent head injury.

    That pattern is not typical of developmental mathematics disorder.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent mental health support if distress about school or mathematics leads to severe withdrawal, refusal to eat or attend school, or talk of hopelessness.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine assessment when mathematics difficulties are persistent, significantly greater than expected, or affecting education, work, confidence, or daily tasks.

    A child does not need to fail repeatedly before concerns are discussed with the school and a healthcare professional.

    Routine help is also appropriate if there are signs of ADHD, language difficulty, hearing or vision problems, anxiety, depression, or another condition that may be affecting learning.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Mathematics disorder. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.