Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder that affects the muscles and is caused by a mutation in the dystrophin gene. While DMD primarily affects the muscles, it can also impact cognitive function, including maths-related abilities such as dyscalculia.
Research has shown that individuals with DMD may experience challenges with mathematics-related tasks that require working memory, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills.
Overall, while DMD itself may not directly cause dyscalculia, it can increase the risk of developing maths related learning difficulties due to the impact it can have on cognitive function.
Children with DMD and dyscalculia can be supported.
No child with dyscalculia should ever go unnoticed!
I am Karima Esmail, and I actively engage in raising awareness of dyscalculia, helping SENCOs and teachers reframe their approach to maths challenges. I have 15 years of experience as a senior lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire. More recently, I undertook research at University College London, which inspired the creation of Puffin Maths for the deaf and hard-of-hearing which now dynamo provides access to the National Curriculum using British Sign Language. Puffin Maths was ‘Highly Commended’ at BETT 2022.
I am the co-author of numerous dyscalculia assessments and interventions:
- Multiple award-winning Dynamo Maths which includes a standardised screener with blended intervention.
- Dynamo Post 16 Number Sense Profiler
- Dyscalculia Self Perception Indicators Questionnaire
- Number Memory ( to be released)
- Cognitive subtests (to be released)