What does having dyscalculia entail?
Learning numbers differently than other people
Do you have other related conditions
No
How “extreme” are your symptoms
I’m not really sure how extreme they are but it affects my daily life.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how much impact does dyscalculia have on your life?
9
How does dyscalculia affect your day-to-day life?
I get dates mixed up, times mixed up, and birthdays that I should know. I count on my fingers even for the most basic math. I find it really hard to use excel
What was it like growing up with dyscalculia?
Awful. My life revolved around my math skills. I started math tutoring in 2nd grade. In middle school I was put into remedial math. I failed the 8th grade end of the year state test (I got a 100% on English) and had to be held back. I dropped out of high school due to my issues with math didn’t know I had it until I was an adult. I would have extreme anxiety during math tests and even cry.
Before you were diagnosed, how did you feel about the symptoms you experienced?
I felt like I was stupid and worthless.
When did you realize that you had dyscalculia? How did you feel knowing that there was a word for what you had?
6 months ago at 28 years old. I burst into tears when I realized that I had a learning disability and it reassured me that I am not stupid.
Is there anything you do that helps manage your dyscalculia?
No
Can you recall any big moments in your life that was shaped by having dyscalculia?
Previous answers
Do you tell people you have dyscalculia or is that something that you hope would remain more of a secret?
I tell people if it comes up or I just say I’m bad at math
What is your general outlook on your disorder?
It sucks but I’m happy to know what it’s called now
Have you experienced any sort of stigma for having dyscalculia? Did that take a toll on you? How did/do you deal with it?
No
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?
Graduate highschool and go to college. I didn’t even attempt. I ended up getting my GED though at 22 and passed the math test after the 2nd try. (While only missing very few questions on the English test) I noticed there were mostly graphing questions so I studied with a close friend who tutored me.
Does dyscalculia affect your mental health?
Yes.
How did/does dyscalculia affect your education?
Above
How does dyscalculia affect your career? Does dyscalculia make it difficult to land and maintain a job?
Yes. Even cashiering can be hard for me. At my current job I am sometimes asked to figure out dosage for medications by using body weight. (I don’t do it in fear that I will mess up and can’t comprehend how to get that answer)
How does dyscalculia affect other aspects of your life?
I think so . I’ve been procrastinating making curtains. I realized it’s because I have to measure them and it’s hard for understand how
What did your parents do right and wrong, in raising a child with dyscalculia?
They just thought I was bad at math. My parents still don’t believe dyscalculia is a real thing
What are things to NOT say or do to people who have dyscalculia?
“it’s ok I’m bad at math too”
What would you like to say to parents of people who have dyscalculia?
dont yell at your kid for not understanding