I think i may have dyscalculia, how do I get tested? Im in london uk?

Question

For years, even as far back as primary school I can remember being diabolical at maths, I just don't understand the subject at all, the most I can do in maths is add up, multiply/divide and subtract single numbers. Anything more difficult then this just baffles me I also have problems with left and right and feel I lack common sense in general. I have recently completed an access to university course to allow me to begin a primary teaching course at university which I am due to start in a couple of weeks, the access course involved maths at GCSE level and while I passed I only did so with the help of my partner whom I met on the course and the only thing I could do was to copy his work, in short I cheated my way through the maths part of the course which allowed me to pass overall.
I have tried learn direct courses which I found no help at all because I just can't seem to contain any new information on the methods of working things out, apart from working directly out of a text book during maths studies which has all the methods and answers I just don't have any clue about how to work things out.
I have filled in questionairres on dyslexia and discalculia and never tick enough boxes to prompt any further investigation. My abilities in English are fine and I always gain very high marks in this subject so I don't think I am dyslexic. My confidence is very low and I have flitted in and out of jobs since first leaving school because of emabarrassment at not being able to follow instructions or constantly having to ask people to repeat what they want me to do. In short I feel like an idiot although I seem to be intelligent in other ways, I am told I am a very capable writer, clever in my understanding of human behaviour and other things you would associate with a highly intelligent person but I am not I am just stupid and don't know how to change.
I am also quite a lazy person, I just can't seem to motivate myself, this has resulted in me calling in sick on a number of occasions because I just can't be bothered to go to work, numerous employers have let me go because of absence, I feel guilty for being so lazy but I must admit I would quite happily just not get out of bed if it wasn't for my toddler. I spend all day at home and yes my confidence is also low due to my weight which I have battled with unsuccesfully since the age of 19, I make plans to do things everyday but it seldom happens I just find it so difficult to get up get washed and dressed and leave the house before late afternoon. I keep telling myself I should just 'grow up' but I just don't know how.
I heard somewhere that people can suffer from a part of the brain being under developed and causing the things I have described, could this be the case for me? I am so desperate to finally be able to just get on with things normally without feeling like a clueless idiot with no common sense please help me? I am desperate after 14 years.

Answer 1

GP should be your first port of call, they can guide you from there.

phone them up and make a booking you are eligible for NHS treatment free of charge.

Answer 2

Does not seem very easy, dyslexics are catered for where dyscalculics seem to be largely ignored,
Get in touch with your local college student support services. I am not sure how your uni will regard your using your partner's work, but I suspect this might backfire on you - I hope not.
Try googling in dyscalculia in both yahoo answers and on the internet - several sitres came up which might be useful including dhfes.support services. Your local education department's student support service is another area to try.
Like dyslexia, your condition has nothing to do with intelligence. It is a processing problem, which is why you have left right problems. Like dyslexia, if you don't get help, feelings of depression and worthlessness can ensue. Your GP may be another avenue. Expalin how your condition is impacting on your mental health.
YOU ARE NOT AN IDIOT - some very brainy people have the same problems. I once saw a high flying scientist on TV describe how the numbers and prices on a supermarket shelf meant nothing to him.
You need a proper course which gets you round these processing problems. The courses you get on distance learning are not suitable.

One thing I have heard can help is something called Brain Gym. A head master friend of mine tells me he uses it for his kids and finds it helps those with learning difficulties. These are a set of movements which are supposed to help the brain process thiongs better. This is not a permanent improvement, but helps you absorb any information better. You can get plenty of books on Brain Gym on Amazon, or order from your library for 80p. to see if they help.
My heart goes out to you, it really does, and you are not lazy, or immature, but depressed. Anyone who has battled on with dyslexia without proper help will see themselves in how you describe yourself.
Watch out for your little one as this runs in families.

Answer 3

Your GP will have to refer you to a specialist to be tested although it sounds as though you are unwilling to learn as opposed to having dyscalculia. I am a teacher and I think you will find it hard to pursue a careeer if you are unwilling to get out of bed, maybe you should speak to your GP about depression??

Also it is unlikely they will send you for testing if you are not in full time ed - if you are still in uni your tutors can refer you for testing but it costs £500 upwards and as you are an adult you would be liable for costs.

Hope this helps, good luck!

Answer 4

My daughter has dyscalculi. I think she inherited it from me.
I know a university student who was tested for dyslexia at university. Mention your concerns to your advisor.
You sound as though you are suffering from depression. Speak to your gp.

Answer 5

i have the same see your uni about a test they will do 1 i found out at collage at school they just i was slow in the head which i am not