What is Dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia is a condition affecting how the brain perceives and processes numbers. People with it have a harder time doing tasks that would be considered simple by others, such as reading a clock or doing a calculation.

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Dyscalculia is not:

Dyscalcualia fundamentally makes it harder to do certain things. It is not something that can be overcome with sheer will.
Dyscalculia isn't something to take lightly. It affects the lives of those with it in a negative way. Joking or spreading memes is disrespectful of those suffering.
While Dyscalculia can make it harder to perceive a value while looking at numbers, it should not be compared to Dyslexia.
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Dyscalculia is:

Things taken for granted, like reading a clock, are harder than for most people. Other parts of society not well adapted for people with Dyscaluclia are also harder, with school being a notable example.

Common symptoms

The following are some common symptoms for people with Dyscalculia. They do not apply to all people, as the condition is individual and varies from person to person.

People with Dyscalculia have a harder time recognizing and understanding numbers. They can lose track while counting or need longer time for tasks considered simple for others. This puts them at a disadvantage.

Dyscalculia makes determining between left and right confusing. Both in terms of understanding when others say either, and when planning in the mind.

Tasks such as estimating the cost of the items in a shopping basket or budgeting are significantly harder.

What can I do?

  1. Stop teasing people about not being able to do things you think are easy. People with Dyscalculia do not always have the same ability to do some things.

  2. Spread awareness! When you find someone with an incorrect definition of Dyscalculia, send them this page.

  3. Support groups for Dyscalculia. There are many organizations that raise money to support people with Dyscalculia and their families. Even if you can’t support them yourself, you can help share these groups with others, so they can support these groups.

The contents of this page is based on a Google doc. Feel free to suggest changes.