Wednesday, February 29, 2012

The Dyscalculia Syndrome

VISITOR:
I just read your 1998 thesis on dyscalculia.  It has just about blown me away!!   I am 68 years old, and reading your compilation of dyscalculia symptoms was like reading the story of my life.   You have explained things that have haunted me for my entire life.   I was able to give a 10/10+ rating (personal 1-10 scoring) to more than half of the symptoms.   I was diagnosed with ADD at age 57 and thought that was the ground-breaker for my life's frustrations, but something was missing.   You filled in the blanks.  I also feel I have a very mild touch of dyslexia.
I retired 3 years ago from my poisition as a flight attendant: and, as No. 4 in your List of Symptoms expains, I failed to appreciate the "big financial picture" of living on a fixed income.   What actually prompted my retirement was comprehending complex new scheduling procedures and regulations that were implemented in recent years.  My retirement also coincided with the economic collapse.  Out of financial necessity, I am attempting to reinvent myself in a part-time job.   It has become embarassing when well-meaning friends suggest this job, and that job, and I can't explain why I know their job suggestions would not work for me.  I search daily for a position I will feel comfortable in, one in which I feel I could excell.   I think about how many young people out there are experiencing these same frustrations.
Aside from saying THANK YOU, what has prompted this communication is that I want to learn everything I possibly can about dyscalculia in adults.   I found books on Amazon.com, however, they all seem to be written about dyscalculia in children.  I have 14 books on ADD.
I would appreciate any direction you could provide me whether it be links, centers that may specialize in the disorder and/or your own personal recommendations.   Again, many thanks for your fine work and for taking the time to read this rather lengthy email.


DYSCALCULIA.ORG: Please explore the Dyscalculia.org website. On the first page, you will find many books about dyscalculia. You may also want to explore careers in writing.