The cognitive assessment for patients with dyscalculia (CAB-DC) is one of the professional tools used to screen for this learning disorder. Note that on its own, it cannot establish a firm diagnosis, but it can assess the risk level of dyscalculia in a child over the age of 7. Here’s an overview of this test.
What is the CAB-DC test for dyscalculia?
The CAB-DC is an innovative dyscalculia test made up of a whole set of tasks and exercises specifically designed to detect and assess the presence of symptoms and dysfunctions in the cognitive processes affected by this disorder.
Available online, it is aimed at children over the age of 7, as well as teenagers and adults. While anyone can use it without difficulty, having the results read and interpreted by a professional is necessary to diagnose dyscalculia. If there is strong suspicion, the professional can carry out further tests to confirm it.
Please note that while the CAB-DC is a particularly effective test, it can under no circumstances replace a clinical interview.
How does the test work?
Lasting 30 to 40 minutes, the CAB-DC test begins with a questionnaire made up of a series of age-appropriate questions: their purpose is to detect the main diagnostic criteria (DSM-5), signs and symptoms of dyscalculia.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 3 criteria must be distinguished:
- A delay in number sense;
- A delay in memorising arithmetic facts, or difficulties with the accuracy or correctness of calculation;
- A disorder of mathematical reasoning.
The CAB-DC test continues with a battery of tasks designed to assess the neuropsychological factors identified for this disorder. Here again, the exercises, simple computer-based games, are adapted to the user’s age. The cognitive domains assessed include attention, memory, coordination, perception, reasoning and language.
How do you read the CAB-DC results report?
At the end of the CAB-DC test, a results report is automatically generated. It uses patented algorithms and artificial intelligence technology capable of analysing more than a billion variables.
The report states the risk index for dyscalculia, classified as low, medium or high risk. It also lists the symptoms and warning signs. The cognitive profile itself is highly reliable, consistent and stable.
Beyond helping with the diagnosis of dyscalculia, the CAB-DC test provides valuable information for building support strategies tailored to the patient’s strengths and weaknesses.
If your child has difficulties with calculation, recognising arithmetic symbols, aligning operations, or understanding maths word problems, book an appointment with a speech and language therapist for testing (including the CAB-DC) and to get a diagnosis. Early detection helps minimise future difficulties and allows your child to quickly develop their own coping strategies.
