Dyscalculia - Difficulty learning or comprehending arithmetic

[Nebuchadnezzar]

Interesting post. I could never get above a D in GCSE maths but think this was possibly due to the way it was taught to me, I never had a teacher in this subject that I got on with and even with the help of a private tutor before my exams I still didn't get above D grade. And I sat the paper twice again in year 12 and 13 with no improvement. I don't think I'd say it was anything more than that though as I have a fantastic head for mental maths, specifically adding and multiplication. Percentages and division though, maybe not.

 

[Blue Maverick]

I’ve still never used algebra in my life!

 

[Bellamy's Caddy]

Interesting post. I could never get above a D in GCSE maths but think this was possibly due to the way it was taught to me, I never had a teacher in this subject that I got on with and even with the help of a private tutor before my exams I still didn't get above D grade. And I sat the paper twice again in year 12 and 13 with no improvement. I don't think I'd say it was anything more than that though as I have a fantastic head for mental maths, specifically adding and multiplication. Percentages and division though, maybe not.

There is definitely an element of nature/nurture about it. I was similar to you with trying to pass the GCSE exam, my teacher was rubbish and I hated maths and didn't put a lot of effort in. It was only when someone mentioned Dyscalculia to me that it occurred to me its not just maths, its everyday things like time keeping, directions, financial management, being able to follow flat pack furniture instructions etc, that I thought there might be more to it.

Basic multiplication I just remember, but anything involving ''carrying'' a one and it doesn't so much carry, as float out in to the ether never to be seen again!

 

[Nebuchadnezzar]

There is definitely an element of nature/nurture about it. I was similar to you with trying to pass the GCSE exam, my teacher was rubbish and I hated maths and didn't put a lot of effort in. It was only when someone mentioned Dyscalculia to me that it occurred to me its not just maths, its everyday things like time keeping, directions, financial management, being able to follow flat pack furniture instructions etc, that I thought there might be more to it.

Basic multiplication I just remember, but anything involving ''carrying'' a one and it doesn't so much carry, as float out in to the ether never to be seen again!

ADHD/potential autism maybe? I'm crap with financial management and written instructions of all types too. If you showed a handful of people a set of written instructions I am almost guaranteed to have interpreted it differently than everyone else and I think this is why I haven't done well in full remote work situations. I'm constantly asking for clarification and end up annoying everyone. I have no diagnosis by the way and don't really intend to, either.

I will add that I am not diagnosing you, myself or anyone else either with this post.

 

[Mazzarelli's Swiss Cheese]

Used to call them thick cunts when I was at school.

Yes, I had thick **** syndrome at maths.

 

[grunge]

So did my teachers. Part of the reason I never bothered looking in to it. Fortunately the world has moved on a bit now.

I had the same with Dyslexia. Junior school ( one that had a dedicated special needs department no less ) basically said I'd be a failure in everything I did because I never tried. While I was literally giving myself migranes and making myself physically sick trying and concentrating so hard.

Senior school spotted it and I was in special english lessons for the first couple of years and it helped me out no end.

the one trick that was a tipping point for me. I always got b's and d's mixed up. the best trick to teach kids that have this issue. if they write the work "bed". if they can then draw a person sleeping on it and it look like a bed with head rest and root board then you have it the right way around.

I don't know much about Dyscalculia but i'm sure there will be similar tricks to use.

 

[Kompany Car]

It just doesn't add up

 

[KS55]

I struggled with maths at school, failed my O level. It was a grammar school and there were some very clever lads there, unfortunately us less academically able got left behind by a maths teacher who taught at the level of the cleverest kids. I just gave up, but a few years later went to night school and with the help of a teacher who actually gave a shit, passed my O level with a grade B, and could have got an A with a bit more revision.

Struggling at school with something which you later found much easier is often down to bad teaching. My daughter struggled with chemistry at school even though she is a good biologist which she teaches at A level. Went to uni and found chemistry became a doddle.
I had an awful maths teacher at O level and basically had to teach myself by reading text books. Got the O level.

 

[KS55]

I’ve still never used algebra in my life!

Very useful for solving brain teasers.

 

[aguero93:20]

I've recently been made aware that I'm likely to have Dyscalculia. I've done online tests and the results show it's very likely that I do have it, which would make sense as I've always struggled with anything maths related.

I was wondering if anyone on here has it and if you have any suggestions for how to get it confirmed, (did you see a GP etc) and are there any resources, or apps that you find helpful for dealing with it?

Having gone my whole life assuming maths just aren't my strong point, it's been a bit of a relief to know there might actually be a reason for it. I always put it down as one of those things. I doubt it's going to change much as I'm nearly 40, but nonetheless any advice or resources people might be able to share would be much appreciated.

Here's some more information for anyone who might be interested:

Dyscalculia - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

Thanks in advance.

Are you sure you aren't just adding 2+2 and getting 5 here?


Sorry mate, couldn't resist :)