NikMati - Dyscalculia

This is dedicated to those who are diagnosed with dyscalculia, including me. It’s something I’ve had since I was young, even though I didn’t know it was a disability at the time. In school, my classmates often ridiculed me for my inability to solve math problems. Even worse, these two teachers called me “stupid” right in my face. That scarred me for life.

My problems went far beyond answering textbook answers. I even struggled to remember prices and dates and know what was cheap and expensive. This went on and on until years later, out of curiosity, I decided to see a counsellor who diagnosed me with dyscalculia. That gave me the clarity I needed! It was a feeling of euphoria because, for the first time, I finally had a definitive answer, not an imaginary gut feeling. However, I do wish I had discovered this much earlier in life.

Although it relieved me, I still struggle with numbers daily, especially when entering adulthood. Some understand your problem, and some see it as an excuse with no sympathy whatsoever. If only they knew the struggle I was going through.

Even though dyscalculia is a pain, it did, however, open a new path for me, and that is to draw. While the math dorks were butchering me with their harsh words, some saw my doodles in school and encouraged me to pursue art, which I did.

When people tell me how they wish to draw like me, I often reply that I wish I could calculate like them. I'm sharing this story not to gain sympathy but to create an awareness that such disability exists. A famous quote reads, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind, always.” If you know someone who has dyscalculia, don't dismiss them. Be kind to them. We're human, after all.