Dyscalculia is a condition that makes it difficult to learn and/or comprehend mathematical functions.
It can show itself when people have damaged certain parts of their brain. It can also appear in children as a genetically-linked learning disability.
It can be treated in a similar way to dyslexia, by using a different approach to teaching.
Not as well known as dsylexia though, it is often missed and kids who don't raise their hand in maths class become adults who secretely count on fingers.
It occurs in people across the whole IQ range, sufferers of dyscalculia are often more than proficient in other areas. It is thought to affect up to 5% of the population to some degree.
Symptoms can be as striking as an inability of telling which of two numbers is the larger. Having difficulty working out what is half of £25 is not uncommon.
Not wanting to spoil, anyones fun by ranting how you're making fun of the disabled (yawn)
It's just an area I'm interested in (my ambition is to go back to University, get a degree, and become a teacher of mathematics) and it's a subject not otherwise likely to come up on a poker forum.
you have to agree though that most people who can't work something out are simply stupid, right?
Author