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 & Craniosacral Therapy

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.

The Craniosacral Mechanism is the driver of moving fluid in the body and head called cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF), which is produced by the Choroid Plexus of the brain and encapsulated within the head and spine.

The craniosacral system is the hydraulic mechanism of a human being and is a component of the Central Nervous System (CNS) and (ANS) Autonomic Nervous system.

There is a function inside of your brain that autonomically generates rhythmic impulses that function to pump CSF throughout your body via the craniosacral pathways, regulating your central and peripheral nerves, nervous system and organ systems, musculoskeletal system, etc.

This moving fluid is palpable to a trained craniosacral therapist, like the heart rate, pulse rhythm, breath, that can all be seen, heard or felt, so too can the Cranial Sacral Rhythm (CSR) be palpated and diagnosed for its health.

By placing his or her hands on your body, including your head and sacrum, the therapist can detect, feel and evaluate the SQAR (symmetry, quality, amplitude, rate) of this fluid rhythm.

The health of your body and mind are dependent on the vitality of this fluid. Compromises of your CSR’s rhythmic impulse correlates to CSF flow restrictions in the system which, when the fluid isn’t flowing optimally, your bodily rejuvenation and recovery is affected.

With anatomically correct hand placement on different parts the body during a session, through gentle manipulation and mobilization the therapist guides and facilitates a positive change in that region of the body which brings forth a correction. A myofascial release in a sense.

A craniosacral therapist stimulates and helps your rhythm refocus, allowing for improvement of musculoskeletal tightness and spasms, neurological issues, organ function, many common conditions, pain, and the mind-body re-connect.

Through a practitioners properly focused and individually attuned touch, your body is facilitated to release channels of fluid stagnation and flow restriction, which ultimately breakthrough, overcome and improve your rhythmic fluid and your potential for health improvement.

The existence of the Craniosacral mechanism was first discovered by Osteopath Dr. William Sutherland in the early 1900’s, who called it Cranial Osteopathy. And many years later, renamed to Craniosacral Therapy by Osteopath, Dr. John Upledger.

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.