Show of hands, folks...

[that_september]

Poll DyscalculiaI've been thinking about learning disabilities lately. Specifically mine, and specifically the fact that there really is just not enough knowledge out there about what dyscalculia IS.
For those of you who DON'T know what dyscalculia is, here are two very quick, informative links:

First, a quick overview.

Symptom Check

(I have every single one of

Comments

[jesterlady]

That is quite fascinating. It reminds me a lot of my brother now that I can see it.

[that_september]

It fascinates me too, if that doesn't sound weird lol. I guess I just like knowing why things are the way they are.

[whyme111]

I know what you mean. I have a learning disability too and have been treated like I am stupid and been called lazy by both classmates and teachers. It sucks that many people don't understand. I actually was diagnosed when I was pretty young, but I can't say that made things easy. Just as frustrating as people calling me stupid or lazy is people claiming that the disability doesn't exist or that I use it as an excuse to get away with things. I take full responsibility for everything that I do. I have ADHD and it is a real disability. It makes my life harder than it should otherwise be and medication only works to an extent. I love to take intelligence tests because they remind me that I am smart, while grades in school and the way I am often treated would lead one to believe the opposite. I jump at the chance to prove to myself and others what I am really capable of. Thanks for the opportunity to talk about this. I understand your frustration.

[that_september]

The whole "stupid and lazy!" thing is so infuriating, isn't it? I can understand why being diagnosed young doesn't necessarily make things any easier, too, because even if YOU know what's wrong, it doesn't matter if people in charge (or your peers) won't listen.

The most important thing is to keep reminding yourself that you're smart. I love those intelligence tests, too. I understand that desire to prove yourself too.

And thank you for responding! Talking about learning disabilities is not always easy, and I appreciate you sharing. :D

[samaside]

I have dyscalculia. I was never officially diagnosed because the school didn't want to pay the money to do the diagnosis. So my whole life I've struggled with numbers. And being someone who moves a lot and changes addresses and numbers, it's a big deal. But I always got Bs and sometimes As in science and math because I worked at it. My errors would be stupid little things where 1s became 7s and 2s flipped to be 7s and I'd add up numbers and they just wouldn't turn out right. And locker combinations.... don't get me started. When I lock things in the safe at the University Center I have to sit on the ground next to it for at least twenty minutes doing the combo over and over because I can't get the numbers right or keep how many times I'm supposed to turn it around right. And working as a book shelver in high school sucked too. :P

[that_september]

Oooh boy, yeah, the moving thing definitely doesn't help. I moved a lot too. Actually, that was one of the reasons no one ever thought I had a learning disability - because they just assumed there were gaps in my education since I'd shuffled from school to school. I flip stuff around too and make those stupid little mistakes. And omg I know - combination locks and PINs drive me crazy.

[ellyodd]

Come join us at http://dyscalculiaforum.com :)