In the starting blocks: scoping the experiences, vulnerabilities, and potentials of adults with dyscalculia in Aotearoa New Zealand

Dyscalculia is a difficulty with numbers, arithmetic, recalling facts, estimating, and numerical problem solving, each essential skills for the modern world. As mathematical demands increase across domains such as technology, employment, health, finance and daily life, difficulties with numeracy create serious life challenges and lead to multiple vulnerabilities across a range of domains. However, there is also the potential that such challenges and vulnerabilities may lead individuals to develop alternative sets of skills that have significant value. At this time there is a paucity of research to shed light on these issues. While anecdotal evidence abounds among the adult numeracy community, little research captures the lived experiences of adults with dyscalculia, and certainly not within Aotearoa New Zealand.

This study explored the life experiences of dyscalculic adults in New Zealand with the aim to shed some light on their often-unseen challenges and vulnerabilities. The report outlines recommendations that can be implemented in the tertiary sector - including the development of a New Zealand Dyscalculia Knowledge Hub, and the development of educational policy to support professional development in the domain of dyscalculia. The study also identifies several research areas that would be valuable to explore in the future.

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