Dyscalculia
Is math still a stumbling block for your child — multiplication tables that won't stick, trouble with the clock, money or number sense, despite a lot of practice? Then dyscalculia might be involved. Read here what it is and how we assess and approach it.
What is dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia is a persistent disorder in arithmetic and the processing of numbers, despite adequate education and normal intelligence. Here too, the cause lies in the way the brain processes numerical information.
What does this mean in concrete terms? Your child struggles with number sense, automating calculation facts (multiplication tables, number bonds), calculation procedures, and sometimes time, money, or geometry. Mathematics takes a lot of time and causes uncertainty and fear of failure.
Important distinction. We do not speak of dyscalculia when the calculation problems can be explained by a general delay, missed curriculum material, or a language problem. The characteristic feature is again the persistence, even after targeted extra practice.
Mogelijke signalen
Do you recognize some of these signs? That does not automatically mean there is a disorder — an intake appointment helps to see together what is going on.
- multiplication tables and number bonds are not being automated
- difficulty with number sense and estimating quantities
- keeps falling back on counting on fingers
- difficulty with telling time, money, or units of measurement
- mathematics takes a lot of time and causes fear of failure
When is help useful?
- Typical support question: «My child is falling behind with math and the multiplication tables just won't stick.»
- Who refers: often the school or the CLB, sometimes the (family) doctor.
- Age: signals often from the 2nd to 3rd grade, when math becomes more complex.
- When further assessment? When the difficulties persist despite targeted help at school.
Step by step
- 1Registrationyou / parent
You contact the practice with your question.
- 2Medical prescription for the assessmentgeneral practitioner / specialist
A medical prescription for the speech therapy report.
- 3intake and speech therapy assessmentspeech therapist + parent
Introduction, the support question and discussion of the medical history. A targeted assessment is administered using standardized tests.
- 4Analysis & conclusionspeech therapist
The results are combined into a diagnostic picture. A report of the assessment is drawn up.
- 5Medical prescription for therapyspecialist
Have a medical prescription for the treatment signed by a specialist. The application form is sent to the health insurance fund.
- 6Decision by the advisory physicianhealth insurance fund
The health insurance fund approves the reimbursement.
- 7Tailored therapyspeech therapist + child + parent
Support for your child, together with you.
- 8Evaluation & extensionspeech therapist
Monitoring of progress, and continuation or completion.
What can a result mean?
Within the norm
The performances are within the expectation for the age. Based on this test, there is no indication of a disorder in this domain.
Low score
Lower than expected for the age — a difficulty in this domain. A single low score in itself is not sufficient for a diagnosis or reimbursement.
Criterion reached
The score meets the RIZIV criterion value for this test. This supports the reimbursement application. The final decision rests with the advisory physician.
Contradictory picture
The results are not unambiguous. We interpret them together with the anamnesis, observations, school info, and possibly additional assessment.
The treatment
- Goals
- A stronger number sense, smoother math facts, useful strategies and aids, and more math confidence.
- Frequency
- Usually 1 to 2 sessions per week, within the RIZIV framework.
- Session duration
- 30 minutes (individual).
- Role of the parents
- Practicing together in small, achievable steps and bringing math into daily life (cooking, shopping).
- Role of the school
- Reasonable accommodations (STICORDI), e.g., a math chart or extra time.
- Evaluation
- Periodic; extension based on progress.
What are the costs?
Dyscalculia can be reimbursed under certain conditions via the RIZIV and your health insurance fund. In short:
You only pay the patient co-payment (±€2 with increased reimbursement). Your health insurance fund reimburses the largest part.
The full fee, e.g. when the RIZIV conditions are not met.
- a valid medical prescription (assessment + treatment);
- a speech therapy report with math scores below the cutoff values from the RIZIV list;
- the diagnosis established before the full 18th birthday;
- approval by the medical advisor of your health insurance fund.
Specific conditions apply for reimbursement regarding diagnosis, assessment, age, and necessary medical prescriptions, among other things. We will review together whether your child meets the current RIZIV conditions and inform you in advance about the expected costs. As conventioned speech therapists, we follow the official RIZIV rates. If you are eligible for reimbursement, you only pay the patient co-payment; otherwise, the full fee. You can find the exact, annually indexed amounts and the complete explanation under "How a pathway works".
Target rates 2026 (30 min). You can find the exact, indexed amounts and the full explanation on the services page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a medical prescription from the doctor?
Not for the intake. For reimbursed therapy, a medical prescription is generally required — we will explain step by step which documents you need.
How long does a session last and how often do we come?
An individual session lasts 30 minutes. We agree on the frequency (usually 1 to 2 times a week) together, tailored to your child.
Can therapy take place at school or at home?
In consultation, therapy at school is sometimes possible; home support is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
What if my child does not (yet) have a diagnosis?
That is not necessary. During the introduction and any assessment, we will look together at what is going on and what makes sense.
Ready for a first step?
Still in doubt whether this suits your child? Make a non-binding appointment — together we will calmly look into it.