Each month as I sit down to write this newsletter, I envision this community, all with your unique stories, brought together through the shared experience of either being dyscalculic or supporting someone who is.
I am grateful to be on a similar journey with so many others who are passionate about raising awareness, education, and supports for dyscalculia. Thank you for being such an active and engaged member of this community.
In this Month's Issue:
Tearful 3rd Grader to High School Senior
She was in third grade when my daughter tearfully asked me, “Mommy, am I stupid?” Now she is a high school senior, excited about her college plans ahead.
It's been a journey, and it will continue to be a journey navigating life with dyscalculia.
Our current challenge this fall has been figuring out how to meet graduation and college entrance requirements, while also navigating the reality of her unique challenges.
It’s hard to live in the tension of knowing what your student needs and trying to make your way through a system that is not supportive or even aware of dyscalculia. In our case, it’s hard to explain to the school that taking Algebra II is not simply a matter of inconvenience, but requires a level of effort equivalent to “climbing Mount Everest.” (Reference to this blog post about U2 drummer, Larry Mullen on dyscalculia.)
But I don’t need to preach to the choir. You get it. You know what it’s like to navigate these challenges in a world that rarely recognizes dyscalculia's specific impacts.
In these complicated situations, there are never quick or easy solutions. It’s messy and requires a great deal of conversation, creative thinking, and long emails to the people in charge who don’t understand.
I share a bit of our current stage so that you know I am in it with you. I’m continually learning and growing in my understanding for what is needed to support my daughter, and how to shift my role as she grows older, to support her own navigating and self-advocating along the way.
It continues to be quite the adventure!
Teaching Strategies, Curriculum, Accommodations, and More!
Do you have questions about what teaching strategies to use, what books to follow, how to setup tutoring sessions, or what accommodations your dyscalculic student needs? If so, my new Audio Guide answers these questions about math education for dyscalculia and more. It is about 8 (wow!) consult calls worth of content and resources inside 12 easy-to-listen episodes. Listen on-the-go on your phone, via a private podcast feed. This resource is for parents, teachers, psychologists, school administrators, and tutors. https://discoveringdyscalculia.com/mathguide
Olympian Runner Shares about her Dyscalculia
I saw this short interview on the Dyscalculia Network’s website about Adelle Tracey, an Olympian runner with dyslexia and dyscalculia. Stories like this raise such great awareness for the everyday impact of dyscalculia.
DysCalculator Now Available for iPhones
A while back I shared about a new app, the DysCalculator, which is now available for iPhone devices! This calculator offers some unique features including: Numbers in number-line order. Visuals for calculations involving fractions. Time calculations help. The website includes helpful information on how to input data.
I recommend checking out the free web-based version online first, then consider purchasing the app on your phone. Note: There is a free app by the same name, which is NOT the same kind of calculator. Look for the logo of Dyscalculator (shown in this email. It is the one that has a $9.99 fee to download.) Learn more at: https://dyscalculator.app/
Group for Dyscalculia Adults
In my dyscalculia work over the years, I’ve noticed there are very few safe places for dyscalculic adults to share their unique struggles of dyscalculia and be received with understanding and genuine curiosity about their experience.
This year, I would love to start a support and listening group just for dyscalculic adults. The purpose of this group is to provide listening support and empathetic understanding to this challenging aspect of life. The group will meet weekly to connect and share the stories, experiences, and impact of life with dyscalculia.
I will co-lead this with my husband, Sean, who is a licensed psychotherapist with over twenty years in private practice, working with individuals and leading therapeutic groups like this. If you are interested in joining a group like this, please reach out to me directly for more information.
New Product and Services Page
There is a new page on my website listing the ways you can work with me or purchase the products I've created! I will continue to add services and new products here. Thank you for supporting my ongoing study, writing, and advocacy work for individuals with dyscalculia. The sale of these products and services enable me to keep doing this meaningful work! https://discoveringdyscalculia.com/products
Beginning Guidance
This week I just re-listened to the first chapter of my book, all about the signs and symptoms of dyscalculia. It's so good! If you are beginning your dyscalculia journey and you have questions about identifying dyscalculia, how to be evaluated, and initial supports, then grab a copy of this book! It's short, full of relatable stories, and will leave you feeling more knowledgeable about dyscalculia. Or listen to the Introduction and Chapter One on this podcast. https://discoveringdyscalculia.com/book
Stay tuned for next month's newsletter! To learn about other ways to engage, please check out my website, blog, resources, and consulting services.
Your dyscalculia specialist and guide, Laura Jackson
Discovering Dyscalculia website
Sign up for my Monthly Newsletter for dyscalculia awareness, education, and support here.