Many many years ago people who couldn't spell were classed as thick and stupid until a new word was conjured up and these illiterate species hid behind their lack of mentality under the term 'Dyslectic'. Granted, it's a mental disability and if you are dyslectic and we have just offended you then please feel free to write us an email. (So, no chances we will receive any!) For those who aren't clever with numbers and mathematics the good news is there is an excuse for you as well. You may suffer from Dyscalculia.
The phrase comes from the term 'mathematics difficulty' Normally a mental disability is assess by a certain criteria. Or, to put it in a more blunt way, if somebody is exceptional thick as two short planks! The problem with Dyscalculia is that there is no specified criteria. Unlike the thickos who can't spell those who have the mathematical block aren't easy diagnosed and many students are thought to be sufferers, but are unaware of their condition.
A Dyscalculia person has trouble visually processing numbers. Any relation to Carol Vordeman will tell you that a good mathematics is able to visualize numbers making arithmetic more easy. Like a Dyslexic mixing up letters and words a Dyscaliculia oddball will screw up numbers in their head and come across retarded in math's classes. They also aren't too bright when it comes to sequencing and as for formulas, well you have more chance of a Dyslexic finding the Countdown Conundrum!
They can't align numbers into columns either and even read digits out of order. Numbers which are similar are often confused, such as 7 &9 or 8&3 making calculators difficult to use.
So, what are these retards good at? Well, when it comes to other educational values they can shine in Geometry, as it contains figures with logic, not formulas and science, until higher skills of mathematics is required - then they end up in queer street!
Sufferers also have a great excuse for being late and are pretty crap at remembering names. If your mate has the illness the great news is you can swindle him or her for cash, because when it comes to credit cards or budgeting their attempt at money keeping is quite laughable. Some may be able to grasp something, e.g. a sum instantly but within a short period of time they become useless at solving it again.
Geography can also be tricky trying to visualize where certain country's are in relation to others and a clock face can be as bewildering as a steering wheel is to a woman. Direction is pretty hopeless and suffers can easily become lost and even physical activity is a burden keeping up with rapid changes.
So to sum it up. People who have the condition aren't the brightest of people and like dyslexic sufferers find life more difficult then others. It doesn't really add up well for their future as a bank accountant really does it?
