TouchMath Sets New Standard for Early Detection of Dyscalculia with Comprehensive Screener
The “DySc” is a first-of-its-kind comprehensive tool for early dyscalculia identification and intervention.
Colorado Springs, Colo. (July 11, 2023) — TouchMath announces the release of DySc, the comprehensive dyscalculia screener and individualized intervention guide aligned to American Pschiatric Associations The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) and available at no cost. TouchMath, a multisensory math program that makes learning foundational math concepts accessible and clear for students who struggle to understand grade-level content, designed the DySc to identify students as young as three who may be at risk for dyscalculia, a specific learning disability in mathematics.
Widely underdiagnosed, dyscalculia is a neurodevelopmental learning disorder estimated to affect 3-7% of the worldwide population. Early screening for dyscalculia and evidence-based interventions are critical to addressing the learning disorder’s short- and long-term educational, personal, and social impacts. The DySc offers educators and parents a valid assessment to detect early math difficulties and provide targeted interventions.
“We’ve developed the DySc, a free screener, as a powerful tool to recognize the critical role of early identification and intervention in addressing learning difficulties, paving the way for academic success and beyond,” stated Dr. Sandra Elliott, Chief Academic Officer at TouchMath. “Similar to the effectiveness of routine screenings for hearing, vision, and dyslexia, we firmly believe that schools should prioritize early math screening to unleash the potential of every child. With the DySc, we’re equipping educators and parents with a comprehensive screening solution that not only identifies dyscalculia but also provides evidence-based interventions to foster students’ mathematical development.”
The DySc aims to address the need for an accessible and efficient dyscalculia screener that can be used as early as age three and throughout adulthood. By accurately assessing individuals struggling with mathematical concepts and skills, the DySc enables timely intervention and support, minimizing academic struggles in later years. When compared to other available screening tools, the DySc goes beyond identifying math difficulties and skill by grade level and instead assesses critical areas of mathematical performance outlined in the DSM-5-TR. Skills assessed include number sense, math facts memorization, calculations, reasoning, and problem-solving.
TouchMath built the DySc screening tool to be easily administered by school-based professionals, early childhood educators, and parents for learners in the following age bands: 3-4, 5-7, 8 and up. Standardization of delivery enabled by the web-based tool ensures the most accurate results.
Upon completion of the screener and the survey, DySc will generate a report that consists of four key outputs, including:
- Results of the DySc screener
- Copy of the DySc educator/guardian survey
- Recommended action plan
- Recommended intervention plan based on the learner’s results
“With an estimated three million students in the United States alone living with dyscalculia, the DySc is a vital tool to support these individuals in reaching their full potential,” said Sean Lockwood, CEO of TouchMath. “There is still much more work to do, but this paves the way for us to better understand this learning disability and how students can benefit from early screening and intervention. Together, we can cultivate success and ensure that individuals of all abilities and learning styles thrive in their mathematical journey.”
The DySc screening tool takes up to 15 minutes to complete. The free, web-based screening tool will also be available in Spanish during the fall of 2023. Visit https://dysctest.com/ to access the free tool today.
To learn more about the DySc, including screener development, validation, and intervention recommendations, access TouchMath’s comprehensive whitepaper, “The Transformative Potential of Early Screening for Dyscalculia, The Discounted Specific Learning Disability.”
To learn more about supporting learners with dyscalculia, visit touchmath.com/dyscalculia-101.
About TouchMath
TouchMath provides a wide range of curriculum and tools for educators and their students who struggle to understand grade-level content. TouchMath is committed to maximizing student potential through its worldwide delivery of hands-more, visit https://touchmath.com/.
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