What does having dyscalculia entail?
Difficulty understanding mathematical concepts
Do you have other related conditions
Dyslexia
How “extreme” are your symptoms
I’d say they’re pretty bad especially paired with my dyslexia.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how much impact does dyscalculia have on your life?
8
How does dyscalculia affect your day-to-day life?
I often under/overestimate my spending by trying to do the math in my head. It has left me in some sticky financial situations.
What was it like growing up with dyscalculia?
School was very difficult. My school district didn’t have any testing or resources for dyscalculia up until my parents got me tested so, even with a 504 plan I really struggled in my math classes.
Before you were diagnosed, how did you feel about the symptoms you experienced?
Very frustrated, confused and anxious.
When did you realize that you had dyscalculia? How did you feel knowing that there was a word for what you had?
I found out when I was 11, it was a huge relief to know that my shortcoming wasn’t something I was fully be responsible for.
Is there anything you do that helps manage your dyscalculia?
I use calculators as much as possible but other than that I try to avoid doing math around others
Can you recall any big moments in your life that was shaped by having dyscalculia?
The first two years of high school I was in a collegiate school that offered an academy for cosmetology. In my sophomore year I had failed my Algebra STARR test by a singular question. I was on academic probation so my spot for my academy was in jeopardy. I had to retake it which I then passed only by one question. I decided to unenroll in the cosmetology program and transfer to another high school so I wouldn’t be stressed out about trying to stay out of academic probation. This greatly impacted my mental health. I was thrown into a much larger and unforgiving school environment where I had even less help than before.
Do you tell people you have dyscalculia or is that something that you hope would remain more of a secret?
Yes, mostly in job situations and if I’m talking about neurodiversity with other people.
What is your general outlook on your disorder?
It frustrates me and makes me feel inferior often. Sometimes it feels like it greatly limits my job options as well.
Have you experienced any sort of stigma for having dyscalculia? Did that take a toll on you? How did/do you deal with it?
Yes, I got bullied in grade school for being bad at math often. It just led to me getting more lost in my math classes because I was too scared to ask questions because other students would make fun of me.
Have you lost opportunities due to having dyscalculia?
Yes,
Is there anything that having dyscalculia has prevented you from doing that you really wish you could do?
I would love to go to college but I’m too scared too.
Does dyscalculia affect your mental health?
When I was in school I would often have panic attacks before big tests and even now I get anxious having to do math in my day to day life. It definitely effects my self esteem and often makes me feel stupid.
How did/does dyscalculia affect your education?
I was only able to graduate high school after having my classes and credits modified during my senior year because I was unable to move past Geometry 2. This included other classes such as my foreign language (due to dyslexia) and science credits. One of the main reasons I haven’t gone to college is because I know that I’ll have to retake those math classes before I can even being taking basic college courses.
How does dyscalculia affect your career? Does dyscalculia make it difficult to land and maintain a job?
I tend to stay away from cashiering jobs because I’m scared I’ll mess up the cash drawer by doing incorrect math.
How does dyscalculia affect other aspects of your life?
Baking recipes are difficult at times.
What did your parents do right and wrong, in raising a child with dyscalculia?
My parents got me tested the moment they could, provided resources like at home computer programs. Tutoring wasn’t really an option but I do wish they were able to provide that for me as well.
What are misconceptions about dyscalculia?
That people who have it are stupid or can’t count.
What do you find is the biggest challenge of living with dyscalculia?
How frustrating it can be and the lack of understanding.
What are your fears that stem from having dyscalculia?
I’m scared I won’t be able to get a high paying Job or that I won’t be respected in STEM spaces.
What positive things do you think having dyscalculia has given you?
I think it makes me more creative and it forces me to problem solve in unique ways.
What are things to NOT say or do to people who have dyscalculia?
Just don’t comment on someone’s ability to do math and don’t talk down to people who are struggling with a problem.
How do you feel about how dyscalculia is portrayed in media? What are some of your favorite pieces of media with authentic representation?
I don’t see much representation of dyscalculia at all in media.
What would you like to say to parents of people who have dyscalculia?
They’re trying their best. Academic support looks different for a lot of people so try to give them what you can.
What do you think society could be doing to better serve people with dyscalculia?
More research, accommodations and a different standard of teaching.
Tell your story, opinions, experiences.
Because of my dyscalculia I had decided that I wanted to be an artist. I sunk a lot of my time and planned life after high school around going to art school. When that didn’t happen and I was stuck in a rut it made me realize that I only chose art because it was one of the only things that didn’t stress me out because I could do it freely, not because I actually wanted to do it. I now realize that I wrote off an entire industry and ignored my interests in science because I thought I wouldn’t be able to exist in that kind of space.