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What does having dyscalculia entail?

Difficulty with math and things related to numbers

Do you have other related conditions

Autism, auditory processing issues

How “extreme” are your symptoms

I’m able to barely pass a math class if I have accommodations and do well in school other wise. I wouldn’t say I am in the severe end, but I am definitely moderately impacted.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how much impact does dyscalculia have on your life?

5

How does dyscalculia affect your day-to-day life?

Difficulty with keeping track of numbers such as passwords and scoring games, counting money, following directions, poor spatial awareness

What was it like growing up with dyscalculia?

It was very challenging. It felt like I was stupid and dreaded going to school and experienced a lot of anxiety

Before you were diagnosed, how did you feel about the symptoms you experienced?

I feel very ashamed of my systems and often felt like it was my fault

When did you realize that you had dyscalculia? How did you feel knowing that there was a word for what you had?

I was diagnosed around 6th grade but I have struggled with math long before that. It was a relief to have a word for it and be able to get accommodations

Is there anything you do that helps manage your dyscalculia?

I get extra time on test if I need it. Using a calculator, and my finger to count numbers, having someone double check my work

Can you recall any big moments in your life that was shaped by having dyscalculia?

It took me a long time to learn to drive

Do you tell people you have dyscalculia or is that something that you hope would remain more of a secret?

I feel people if it comes up but other wise don’t mention it.

What is your general outlook on your disorder?

It’s something I accepted and have started to feel neutral about though I often still wish I didn’t have it

Have you experienced any sort of stigma for having dyscalculia? Did that take a toll on you? How did/do you deal with it?

Math teacher often didn’t do anything to accommodate me or made me feel like a burden. I often heard jokes where someone is called stupid for not knowing math facts, and it definitely hurts me to hear. I keep in mind that most people don’t known dyscalculia is a thing, so I don’t take it personally.

Have you lost opportunities due to having dyscalculia?

I don’t think so

Is there anything that having dyscalculia has prevented you from doing that you really wish you could do?

I wish I could be better at science

Does dyscalculia affect your mental health?

It can definitely cause anxiety or shame at times, and I have trauma from past school experiences

How did/does dyscalculia affect your education?

There where math classes I had to take that where very hard to get through.

How does dyscalculia affect your career? Does dyscalculia make it difficult to land and maintain a job?

I’m current still a student so I haven’t experienced anything like that yet. I am a psychology major so I don’t think it will effect my career

How does dyscalculia affect other aspects of your life?

I struggle driving places and knowing when to leave.

What did your parents do right and wrong, in raising a child with dyscalculia?

My parents though that if I practice more I’d get better at math, so that’s not the right approach. My parents however never made me feel stupid and did everything they could to support me

What are misconceptions about dyscalculia?

That it means your are less intelligent, and that if you practice it will go away

What do you find is the biggest challenge of living with dyscalculia?

People just not understanding or knowing it’s a disability.

What are your fears that stem from having dyscalculia?

That people will judge me or think I’m stupid, or that I won’t be able to compete my degree because there a math class I don’t know about

What positive things do you think having dyscalculia has given you?

High resilience, being a good problem solver

What are things to NOT say or do to people who have dyscalculia?

Just practice harder, I’m sure your not that bad at math, I’m bad at math too

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 think I ever seen it betrayed in media before

Who are your favorite celebrities or characters with dyscalculia?

Daniel Radcliffe, Bill Gates, Cher

What would you like to say to people who have dyscalculia?

You will find success in life and you are not broken

What would you like to say to parents of people who have dyscalculia?

Be patient and accept that your kid has a disability

What do you think society could be doing to better serve people with dyscalculia?

Math shouldn’t be a requirement in college or high school if it isn’t relevant to a future career

What would you like people to know about dyscalculia?

It not uncommon just under diagnosed!

Tell your story, opinions, experiences.

Growing up I had a of anxiety about school and would often cry or have break downs in frustration. I felt like I was so different then everyone else. Getting accommodations was never easy and there was a lot of pushback from school and teachers. My struggles turned to depression and suicidal ideation as I got older and felt like I would never be successful. I’ve now learned to except myself as I am, but it had taken a lot of hardship and work to get here and be confident it myself.