Dyscalculia
is a learning disability that makes it hard for people to understand numbers
and do math. People with dyscalculia may have a normal or even high IQ, but
still struggle with basic math skills. I believe I have dyscalculia, although
I’ve never been officially diagnosed.
Ever
since I was a child, I’ve had big problems with numbers. Once I get past
counting to ten, I get stuck. I usually need to write sums down or count on my
fingers. I often borrow items or draw to help me understand the maths problem.
Simple
sums like 4 + 4 = 8 or 2 x 4 = 8 are fine, but I can’t work them out in my
head. I rely on paper, and it takes me a long time. Strangely, some sums I
can’t even do on a calculator! I also can’t round numbers up or down, and I
find it hard to halve anything except a few basic numbers.
Living
Undiagnosed
It’s
taken me nearly thirty years to realize I might have dyscalculia. Sadly, this math
difficulty has affected my chances of getting a job. I often wonder if I could
be tested, and whether there is any funding or support out there. Maybe then
I’d have a better chance at a proper job.
Cuts
to support services make me worry that younger people with disabilities may get
better help than I ever had. That’s upsetting. But I hope by sharing my story,
others can get the help I missed.
What
Dyscalculia Can Look Like
People
with dyscalculia experience it in different ways. These are some common signs
and struggles (many of which I relate to):
1. Difficulty using number lines.
2. Struggling with borrowing in subtraction.
3. Inability to do math in your head.
4. Trouble counting past ten.
5. Difficulty using fingers or visualizing sums.
6. Not understanding the number value.
7. Being strong in some areas of math, but weak in
others.
8. Feeling anxious or fearful around math.
9. Feeling like numbers are “blurry” or confusing.
10. Spatial difficulties (trouble with maps, directions,
drawing).
11. Short-term memory issues.
12. Coordination problems (sometimes linked with
Dyspraxia).
13. Reversing numbers – common in young children too.
14. Difficulty remembering names.
15. Good language, but poor math.
16. Struggles with even basic math.
17. Difficulty estimating numbers.
18. Inconsistent ability – one day you can do it, the next
you can’t.
19. Trouble reading analog clocks.
20. Confusion with left and right.
21. Difficulty lining numbers up in columns.
22. Confusion about math concepts.
23. Some may even struggle with certain words or terms.
24. Anxiety, stress, and sadness are caused by these
challenges.
25. Mixing up addition and subtraction.
26. Forgetting simple math facts.
27. Difficulty remembering math steps.
28. Reversing or mixing up numerals.
Emotional
Impact
Dyscalculia
is more than just “not being good at math.” It’s a real disability. People with
it may feel helpless, frustrated, or ashamed. I’ve cried before because I
couldn’t do simple sums, and it’s made me feel like I’ll never succeed.
The
fear of looking stupid or being a burden can make things worse. People don’t
always understand how hard it is when your brain just doesn’t process numbers
the way others do.
Famous
People with Dyscalculia
You’re
not alone – many successful people have struggled with numbers:
·
Henry
Winkler (The Fonz from Happy Days)
·
Cher
(Singer and actress)
·
Mary
Tyler Moore (Actress and writer)
·
Benjamin
Franklin (Inventor and writer)
·
Hans
Christian Andersen (Fairy tale writer)
·
Bill
Gates (Despite his tech skills, had math struggles)
·
Thomas
Edison (Inventor of the light bulb)
·
Luis
Armand Garcia (Child actor)
·
Sarah
Barrable-Tishauer (Actress)
·
Mick
Hucknall (Singer from Simply Red)
“I
suffer from dyscalculia – number blindness. I was made to feel stupid. But art
school opened a new creative world for me.”
Even
Albert Einstein had struggles with math at certain points in his life.
Causes
of Dyscalculia
Research
suggests dyscalculia can sometimes be caused by a brain injury or a difference
in brain development. In my case, I was born with mild brain damage on the left
side of my brain. It affected the left side of my body and caused mild epilepsy.
Dyscalculia
can also be linked with other conditions like:
·
Dyslexia
·
Dyspraxia
·
ADHD
Other
Disabilities Caused by Brain Injury
·
Around
30% of people with epilepsy have a level of learning disability.
·
The
more severe the learning disability, the more likely the person is to have
epilepsy.
·
Emotional
and behavioral problems like ADHD, depression, and anxiety are common.
·
People
may feel sadness or anger, especially when they are trying hard but not getting
the support they need.
Final
Thoughts
I’ve
always loved art and poetry – that’s how I express myself. Even though I
haven’t been published yet, it gives me hope and purpose. I may struggle with
numbers, but I still have creativity and something to offer.
Would
you like me to:
·
Turn
this into a printable version or handout?
·
Add
pictures or symbols to create an Easy Read version?
·
Help
write a summary version for younger readers.
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