Spanish Game Helps 5-7% of Kids With Math Disorder Thrive

Children who struggle with basic math finally have a tool that meets them where they are.

Researchers at the University of Barcelona and the University of Vic have created NeurekaNUM, a digital game that helps kids with dyscalculia master numbers and calculations. Dyscalculia affects up to 7% of children worldwide, making simple arithmetic feel impossible and often lasting into adulthood.

The game works like a personal math coach that adapts to each child's pace. It focuses on three key skills: recognizing numbers automatically, understanding the mental number line, and solving math problems with confidence.

In a four-month study, 19 children in first through third grade played the game for just 15 to 20 minutes daily, five days a week. The results were clear: kids with dyscalculia improved significantly in nearly all math areas, while a control group showed no change over the same period.

Professor Josep Maria Serra-Grabulosa explains that dyscalculia isn't just about math. The disorder affects attention, memory, and processing speed too, which is why the game tackles multiple cognitive skills at once.

The program is the first treatment for dyscalculia developed in Spanish and Catalan with proven scientific results. That matters for millions of Spanish-speaking families who previously had no evidence-based tools in their own language.

The Ripple Effect

Schools across Spain are now adopting the game, following Finland's successful model of early detection and intervention. Teachers can use it on any device, letting each student progress independently without slowing down the whole class.

The researchers emphasize that NeurekaNUM doesn't replace traditional teaching. Instead, it fills a critical gap, giving children with learning differences the targeted support they need while their classmates work at different levels.

Through their spin-off company Neurekalab, the team has created versions for schools, families, and professionals. The game uses machine learning to automatically adjust difficulty based on how each child performs, making personalized intervention accessible to more students than ever before.

Parents and teachers no longer have to watch children fall further behind in math. Early intervention through engaging gameplay gives these kids the foundation they need to succeed, transforming frustration into genuine progress one 15-minute session at a time.