What are the signs of numerical dyslexia?

Question

I can't concentrate in maths, I just go blank, I'm 15, you'd think if I was dyslexic someone would've noticed by now.

But I just can't concentrate at all, there are some things like algebra and angles that, despite going through for 4 yrs I still don't have a clue.

I'm fine in english and nearly every other subject, other than science, so could I be numerically dyslexic?

What are some signs? Or am I just a bit dim?

Cheers =)

Answer 1

No, you're not dim, some people just don't get certain bits in Maths, either because it's badly taught or because they simply don't get it but it doesn't mean you have dyscalculia - after 5 years studying Trignometry & not being able to do it, the penny finally dropped in a mock exam 3 months before I was due to leave school, apart from bits of algebra & trig I never had a problem with anything else.  

If you can add, subtract, multiply and do long division then you're just having difficulty with algebra & trignometry, you should approach your teacher and ask for help or approach a classmate you know is good at algebra & trignometry who would be willing to help you.

Answer 2

My advice is to approach your school guidance counselor to express your concerns and ask for help, and for testing.  They should have professionals on staff, or on retainer in the school district who can conduct tests to uncover learning disabilities.  If tests reveal dysnumeria, or dyscalculia, then steps can be taken to address the problem.

Answer 3

What you're referring to is called dyscalculia and you can request an educational evaluation to assess you for it.  IF it's found that you have it you can be given certain services during classes and on test to help improve the chances of you doing well. In NY State you can request these services for yourself after the age of 13 so you can either talk to your school psychologist or guidance counselor or talk to your doctor to request an referral to a nureo-psychologist or a nureo-psychiatrist these  are the people who do evaluations for educational disabilities. Once you have a specific diagnosis you'll be able to request the services that you need to make learning easier.  I know because I and all of my three daughter's have learning disabilites as do 15 members of my extended family.

Answer 4

Hi Autum! You know exactly how you feel, I had that problem when I was in high school. I think a lot of people may show some symptoms of dyslexia and the truth is that it is usually more pronounce when under a lot of stress. I had the same math teacher in high school, she was rude, would ridicule her students and was very mean, I was really scared to ask questions, so I ended up thinking that  I was really dumb in math. To my surprise when I went to college I got excellent grades in Math. I had caring-friendly professors who were very patient when explaining problems, I even considered changing my major to Math, but didn't. The problem is not dyslexia, but maybe like in my case I missed so many concepts that were very important, this created learning gaps, and I didn't have a solid foundation in Math. Learning is sequencial and also empirical, and when you miss a lot of pre-foundational information you end up experiencing a lot of frustation, because your learning was not sequencial. There is an awsome tutoring school, (I don't work for them and I don't owe the place either) called Kumon. They assess the student, find those learning gaps, will target the problem areas and bring you back to where you should be, they specialize on this. They can help you all the way to Calculus, they are excellent, its a little repetitous but that why is so effective. They are all over the nation, you may find them in your local yellow pages. It may be a little expensive, but is worth every penny you spend. These people will help you pass all your math exams including College entry, SAT. They also work with your teacher if you ask. Don't give up. There is help outthere you just need to find it and take it seriously. Print your responses and share them with your parents. Best wishes!

Answer 5

  I read very fast with excellent comprehension, but I can' type for beans, fill out forms, or ace a math test even if I know it cold.

   Something is wrong, I reverse and omit numbers, dial clocks and tape measures fool me regularly. It is frustrating and embarassing but not yhe end of the world.

www.dyscalculiaforum.org  (com?) has more. keep looking until you find the site.