Do you think a person can have dyslexia in the form of math problems instead of words?

Question

I have no problems with reading or writing at all, but when i try to figure out even the simplest of math problems, my mind shuts down and i become very confused. I have an IQ of 118, so I don't think I am stupid, but i sure feel like it.

Answer 1

Sure -- there's a similar disorder, called dyscalculia, in which people have a difficult time learning or performing mathematics. A person can certainly be quite bright and still have a learning disability of this kind.

Answer 2

Yup....My algebra teacher....

Answer 3

totally, i have a few friends that see numbers backwards instead of letters backwards

Answer 4

That is called dyscalculia.

However, if you just find maths hard then you probably don't have dyscalculia.

50% - 60% of dyslexics also have dyscalculia.  It is thought to be a congenital condition due to abnormal functioning of specific brain areas.

Dyscalculia sufferers will probably have difficulty in telling the time, handling money, basic maths problems...

They will find it difficult or impossible to apply number handling rules to a problem, for instance they may be able to solve 4+5=9 but not realise that 5+4=9.

They may be able to learn to count but will have difficulty counting back and forth or skipping numbers.

Most people that think they may have dyscalculia are simply not very good at maths and are seeking to blame a 'condition' as an easier option than trying harder, this detracts from the few people who genuinely suffer from the condition.

(and while a 118 IQ is a little above average i wouldn't go boasting about it as its not all that impressive)

Answer 5

It's dyscalculia.  You might find it easier to do math if you hear it.  You can probably get your math textbooks recorded.  Try Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic at www.rfbd.org.  If they don't have your book, they might use volunteers and record it for you.  It's worth a shot.

And an IQ of 118 is pretty good - don't let anyone else tell you otherwise.  Learning disabilities like dyslexia are often associated with people who are very intelligent and very creative.

Answer 6

Yes, I do, but wouldn't term it as dyslexia. If the problem were presented in a different way, you could solve it. We all learn differently and I, too, struggled with this in math. Fortunately, there are alternatives to how things can be presented in math, so that you shouldn't have to struggle.