Is it normal to have a learning disability?

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A little background.

I was given a few tests at school, one of which said I had a learning disability involving maths called Dyscalculia, and I have similar issues with spelling. (I do know how to read though, obviously!) Though, I never took it as a problem. I just looked at it as how I was.

Now, Im starting to feel more nervous about it as it interferes with my work, as multiplication is a necessity to do my current job, I feel really dumb a lot having to use my calculator for what im told is, "basic math." Is this normal for my age? How should I handle the criticism I receive?

Voting Results

94% Normal

Based on 17 votes (16 yes)

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Comments ( 11 )

JD777

8 years ago

I know the calculators help, but using them too much will reinforce the dyscalculia. Try one of the computer games designed to help people with dyscalculia improve numbers skills.

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Avant-Garde

8 years ago

It's normal. I have ADD/ADHD. I was diagnosed at a very young age. It's taken me quite some to get where I am now, which is better. I still have some difficulties here and there but, it's more of a matter of needing to refresh my mind on certain things or buckling down, shutting out distractions, and focusing. If it makes you feel better, I tend to count on my fingers when I get stumped and I've forgotten a lot of the math skills I learned in school. I don't know if it will help you, but re-learning/studying math helps, as does playing games and doing puzzles. :)

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- Anonymous Post Author
  
  8 years ago
  
  Thank you! I try to study it on my own but, I don't know where to begin. I try to learn addition on my own but find it very hard to do without using my fingers, or a calculator. I have a hard time working with the numbers in my head, they just fade away or get very messy. ):
  
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  - Avant-Garde
    
    8 years ago
    
    You might be a visual learner, like me. In school, my mother had to write things on the chalk board and give me other visual examples so what I was learning would be better understood. There are math activity books for kids that should hopefully have some form of visual example.
    
    When I do problems in my head, even when I still remembered my math skills well, I'll hit a wall. I keep asking myself the problem and going over and over again, hoping that it'll sink into my brain or that the answer will come to me. I hate when that happens. It makes me feel so stupid.
    
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    - Anonymous Post Author
      
      8 years ago
      
      Exactly! I find myself just repeating the problem instead of actually solving it. I will definitely get a math activity book. I know that I usually am more of a hands-on type of learner. So hopefully activity books will help, Thank you so much
      
      I also know what you mean about feeling stupid, I have co-workers giving me a hard time about it quite often. Thanks again xx
      
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      - Avant-Garde
        
        8 years ago
        
        No problem! :)
        
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Short4Words

8 years ago

I am exceptional when it comes to language and writing but I'm damn near retarded when it comes to math. I probably have a learning disability too. You are normal.

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[Old Memory]

8 years ago

Learning disorders are pretty common. You can accommodate for your shortcomings by solving them alternatively in a way you are good at. Years ago I was tested as having a 5th grade reading level and through spell check and daily reading and writing I have got pretty good at it although I still read a bit slow and often have to reread a few times before I understand it.
Everytime I use spell check I remember the correct spelling a bit more too.

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- Anonymous Post Author
  
  8 years ago
  
  Thank you. (:
  
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VinnyB

8 years ago

I think it is good to know how to do math by hand, but normally speed and accuracy are considered pulses in a work environment, and a calculator should provide both. Unless it is something you could do quickly in your head, why wouldn't you use a calculator if one was available?

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- Anonymous Post Author
  
  8 years ago
  
  I'm not able to do any math quickly in my head, so a calculator is very useful for me.
  
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Are You Normal?

Is it normal to have a learning disability?