Some people know dyscalculia as "dyslexia with numbers" or "math dyslexia".  Children with Dyscalculia process numbers differently than do people without dyscalculia, thus have a learning disability that involves math. It is a lifelong condition that can lead to issues impacting a child's ability to comprehend number-related concepts. Dyscalculia is not as well known or understood as dyslexia but many experts believe it is just as common.

The cause of dyscalculia is still quite uncertain, but research is pointing to a difference in brain function and structure specifically in areas of the brain that are involved in mathematics. The area of the brain that is most responsible for mathematics is the intraparietal sulcus. Images of this area in individuals with dyscalculia show less grey matter (brain cells) and / or less brain activity in this area. These images are, however, from patients with conditions such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or Turner's syndrome who also have dyscalculia.

Research that is associated with children without other medical conditions iis beginning to grow. These studies are showing many of the same findings as with the earlier brain images associated with other syndromes. The activity of the parietal and frontal areas in the brain show less activity. Dyscalculia that is caused from brain injury is in line with this research showing that damage to these areas results in the patient's dyscalculia.

For those who do not have an underlying condition or brain damage resulting in their dyscalculia diagnosis the root cause is thought to be environmental or genetic, and possibly both. As well as possibly cranial misalignment. The Parietal bones of the head and or other cranial bones that make up the head and face structure.

Dyscalculia results in a variety of math difficulties and varies from child to child. This diagnosis may also look different as the child ages and may become more obvious as the child becomes older. In preschool the child with dyscalculia may have difficulty learning to count and may skip numbers. Recognizing patterns can be difficult for a child of preschool age with dyscalculia and recognizing symbols for numbers is common as well.

In grade school being able to recall basic math facts and identify the plus and minus signs are symptoms of dyscalculia. The concept of greater than and less than can be confusing to understand and remember for this child as well. In middle and high school children with dyscalculia may have trouble understanding place value, placing numbers in the correct column, measuring, keeping score, comprehending graphs and charts, and applying math concepts.

Diagnosis Treatment starts with an evaluation either in a school or other professional setting. When evaluating the child in a medical setting the practitioner may look for other conditions such as ADD / ADHD, anxiety, or learning issues. Once the child's family history and concerns are communicated the health professional can make an informed diagnosis of dyscalculia.

Obtaining additional support for the child with dyscalculia is essential and this can be done through tutors, child psychologists, and special education teachers. Having an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) developed for the child will ensure that his or her individual needs are being addressed in the classroom.  

The field of Chiropractic and other alternative healing practices such as craniosacral therapy are showing promise in learning disabilities including Dyscalculia  treatment. Craniosacral Therapy is a form of light touch, manual treatment that releases tension in the body. The cranial bones of the skull experience movement due to craniosacral rhythm as a result of cerebral spinal fluid movement. When subluxations exist in these bones, this nourishing fluid is making it difficult for the spine and nervous system to function properly with the nourishment of the central nervous system. This will often result in a host of health conditions, learning disabilities included.

A chiropractor may be able to assess the child with dyscalculia and determine whether subluxations exists in his or her spine and or cranial bones. Chiropractic care, craniosacral therapy and other alternative methods can offer a Dyscalculia  treatment where a child may begin to notice improvement in their math skills along with other positive health outcomes.

Learning disabilities do not have to define a child or determine the course of his or her life. With the proper Dyscalculia treatment and support any child with a learning disability diagnosis can grow to become a successful adult. Finding the right treatment is the first step to making that possible.  

About Dr. Kaminsky

Alex was born in March 1972. At the age of 7 he started to experience frequent headaches with all the conventional symptoms of a Migraine headache. His particular headache resulted in him experiencing auras, nausea and sensitivity to light with no particular trigger to the onset of the migraine.

After years of treatments, therapies and medications, his headaches were no better and Alex continued to experience them all throughout childhood and into young adulthood. Some years the headaches would come monthly, some years every two to three months and some years weekly. His headaches were incurable, there was nothing that could alleviate the symptoms and head pain. Until he experienced cranial manual therapy, which resulted in the complete eradication of his life-long Migraine Headaches.

At the age of 16 Alex noticed a mild deformity in the right side of his ribs, a slightly lower right shoulder and the experience of constant lower back pain. Although mild, a diagnosis of Idiopathic Adolescent Scoliosis had been labeled.

At the age of 18 he was involved in a serious car accident that exacerbated his lower back pain. Throughout the years Alex had tried a multitude of conventional treatments but continued to suffer on and off with lower back pain, even throughout Chiropractic school and beyond.

In 2015 and fifteen+ years out of Chiropractic school, Dr. Kaminsky participated in his first and life changing Craniosacral Therapy seminar and he was fascinated, intrigued and hooked. It all made sense, he was immediately astute to its methods and since that first seminar, and as a result of trading sessions of Craniosacral Therapy with his colleagues, his back pain subsided and till this day has never returned.

Dr. Kaminsky decided to enhance his skill-set to better serve his patients. He began reaching out to other craniosacral therapists, cranial osteopaths, and many types of leading practitioners from various fields for advise and consultations He also enrolled in Upledger continuing education seminars with a focus on mostly hands-on manual and alternative therapies.

And, as he gained knowledge with his own health issues, he has learned to help more and more patients achieve great health results.

Dr. Alex Kaminsky is headache free and low back pain free, and has committed himself to a life of learning, teaching and treating patients. His emphasis is on the patient's stored patterns of the body and each individual healthcare needs.

Dr. Kaminsky earned his Chiropractic degree in the year 2000 and is licensed to practice in NY. He has since completed close to three thousand hours of continuing education seminars in various healthcare fields.

Since 2015, he is implementing primarily the hands-on techniques of Craniosacral Therapy (CST), a gentle, non-invasive, laying of the hands that brings about reversal and restoration.

Dr. Alex Kaminsky is an advanced and certified Craniosacral Therapist, having studied advanced levels including SER, Brain and Pediatric courses. He has built a significant skill-set with many years of experience treating adults, children and babies. To learn more, visit the other pages on this website. Call to schedule your appointment with Dr. Kaminsky.