(please, excuse my English. I have always talked about this topic in Italian and I’m not super sure of some technical terms and words.)
Dyscalculia is difficulty in learning or comprehending arithmetic, such as difficulty in understanding numbers, learning how to manipulate numbers, and learning facts in mathematics. It is generally seen as a specific developmental disorder.
Basically, what a dyscalculic often can’t do is:
read numbers correctly.
do any basic arithmetic without a calculator.
understand the difference between multiplications and exponents.
solve problems that require a certain level of mathematical logic.
grasp and remember mathematical concepts, rules, formulae, and sequences
Some can also have difficulties with grammar rules and memorizing things such as declinations.
What a dyscalculic can and can’t do really changes from person to person, and what I have just written is just a very tiny part of the various symptoms.
Actually, there are a lot of usually simple tasks which are very difficult for dyscalculic people, such as:
Read analogic clocks.
Stating which is the larger of two different numbers.
Read musical notation.
Difficulty with conceptualizing time and judging the passing of time. You could be either always early (that would be me…) or always late.
Inability to concentrate on mentally intensive tasks.
Difficulty with choreographed dance steps.
Difficulty in orientating and reading maps.
Troubles estimating costs and keeping a budget.
Troubles estimating speed and distance.
What to do:
If you think you may have dyscalculia, I suggest you look and research a lot about it. If you still have that feeling, taking a test with a specialist i what you need to do. I’m not sure what the price is to take such a test in other countries, my therapist took me just 60 euros, but if you have free health care probably you can take them to a hospital for free.
Please don’t self-diagnose yourself. Having this kind of doubts and discussing it with a therapist is OK! Nowadays is very very popular on Tumblr to self-diagnose yourself with anything, but if you have a learning disorder, you will need a document signed by a specialist to get help at school, so you need an official diagnose.
Now, you need to get actual help at school. Now, I really hope that your school is very open to that, and your teachers too. Sometimes they can very ableist and ignore completely the disorder. In this case, I recommend having your therapist talk to them.
You will probably get a paper after the evaluation (I believe that in the USA, CANADA, AND UK its called IEP) which says what you can and can’t do, and decide how to proceed, which accommodations and modalities put in it etc. You may have the possibility of keeping formulas and procedures to solve math, to always use a calculator, to just be tested orally instead of taking a regular test etc. The plan is customized, created to help you at this best.
Make sure that your needs are respected and that you get all the help you need to be at the same level as everyone in your class.
Find a way to make your math notes understandable and easy to read, with a good amount of examples, all the possible cases and with the theory well explained. If they let you keep this material with you during tests, like I do, this will be the most useful tool you’ll ever need to do math.
Different accommodations that you can get:
Mind maps and detailed procedures w/ examples in how to solve a particular operation to keep during tests.
Keeping formulas with you during tests.
More time do to your tests.
Audio/videos explanations if you are an auditory learner.
Ability to keep a calculator with you during tests.
A tutor in or out the school.
Fewer questions in a test.
Help during tests.
Bigger font for your tests, files etc… it may seem stupid, but is so nice to have a clearer view and bigger numbers!
More time to turn in your assignments and more time for your tests/exams.
Resources:
How to make math accessible.
More accommodations.
IEP.
PDP - if you are Italian like me.
Some easy lessons.
Dyscalculia in one minute.
Skills affected by dyscalculia.
Video Lessons.
Dyscalculia.org
What is dyscalculia? (video)
For parents.
For teachers.
Dyscalculia math help collection.
The dyscalculia dolphin (our meme!)
Convert anything!
The Scale of everything. (can be overwhelming!)
Dyscalculator - a calculator for dyscalculics, depicts numbers four different ways: numerals, text, sound and a bar graph to compare two numbers. (Android + iPhone)
+ other links:
studying with an anxiety disorder.
how to get rid fo toxic friends.
crystal sticker pack.
my experience with a learning disorder.
aesthetic study music.
ways toxic friends affect your life.
highlighting tips.
ADHD masterpost.
how i take my math notes (as a dyscalculic).
how to write an analytical/scientific essay.
useful programs for school.
my pics.
Have a nice day xx
