is my learning disability my fault? am i retarted?

Question

hi there! i have dyscalculia. it's a lot like dyslexia but it only occers in math. i have it bad and i find it hard to to any thing that envolves math. A LOT of people im my school make fun of me and call me retarted. is this true!? i function like a normal teen! i'm a writer! i've even published two books although i am only thirteen! how can i stop people calling me retarted. when my foster brother sees my math grades he says it's all my fault! is this true?

Answer 1

IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT! thats like saying its your fault for being born a girl. these things happen but you are by no means a retard. lots of wildly successful people have had learning disabilities and it looks like youre already on the way to being one of them. dont worry about what others say, i remember that period of life and looking back its a big waste of time. make the most of it by embracing who you are.

Answer 2

No, you are definitely not retarded, and that is a very offensive word for people to call you. Just realize that anyone who uses words like that is not worth your time.

Many people have a learning disability and as you mentioned, it can often times only occur in one area (in your case math). But that will not impair you from having a full, satisfying, and perfectly normal life. Right now, I'm sure it is tough though because you are still in school and have to deal with the immaturity and insensitivity of the poor mannered kids around you.

As for how to stop people from calling you names and judging you, there isn't a lot you can do because the problem is theirs, not yours. You can't change them into being caring people. The only thing you can do is to be the better person by not sinking to their level.

As for your foster brother, I don't know what his problem is. Maybe he's being a brat, or maybe he truly doesn't understand what a learning disability is. You could try explaining it to him or ask your parents to explain it to him. If he still persists with those comments, then you just need to ignore his ignorance.

Well, my dear, that is my advice. Oh, and keep writing! Never stop following your heart and your desires - they will lead you to true happiness in the end. God Bless!

Answer 3

Kids can be so cruel, I hope that you are able to ignore them. Some just don't have the maturity to accept that people can be different but still be wonderful. I wish they could see themselves as the more mature see them, it is so sad. Your disability is not your fault, and you shouldn't feel stupid as I am quite certain you excell at other things like writing. It is embarrassing, but just keep plugging along and maybe with some extra tutalage you can over cover some of the easier math problems. Good Luck and don't give up because you are a person of value.

Answer 4

people with a learning disability have normal to above average intelligence...they do not have a cognitive disability (although those with CD also should NOT be made fun of or called 'retards') You should go to a specialist to see what accommodations need to be made by your teachers and to show you what strategies you can use to help you with your problem. Math is hard enough without getting the numbers mixed up!! The teacher may or may not know how to help w/ this specific problem, so again, seek out a specialist and they can work with you and your teacher. Good luck and stay smart :)

Answer 5

Of course it is not your fault. No one would choose to have a learning difficulty or physical disability. I hope that you are getting support at school both for your learning and for your emotional needs. I'm sure that your teacher has explained your situation to your parent(s). Your foster brother is being insensitive. I'm sure that he experiences difficulty with something, we all do and he should be more patient and kind. Since he is a foster brother, he obviously has had some sadness in his own life and he is very lucky to have been welcomed into your family. I hope he appreciates this. Good luck and be brave !

Answer 6

Honey I've worked in the school system for 22 years and I can tell you now that you are just fine. Tell your foster brother that you are glad he's good in math because you'll never an accountant to handle your money when you become a famous writer. So many times I've seen kids that are so high in one subject and so low in another. Hold your head up and just smile when they call you names. When they see it doesn't bother you they'll go get a new victim.

Answer 7

I grew up with some leaning disabilities myself and it’s nobodies fault it’s just one of those things that happen in life. But you know when your given lemons you need to make lemonade! Don’t look at this as an obstacle, but as an opportunity to grow. My own disabilities never stopped me from succeeding in life and I have a good feeling they will not stop you either. Turn your limitations into opportunities and those who ridicule you now will praise you later! Besides, it’s a very small person who will poke fun at another for a perceived weakness; really you need to ask yourself “Who has the bigger weakness?” I think the answer is clear on that.

Answer 8

Wow. First, shame on those who make fun of you.
I am 54 years old and all my life I never met someone who is PERFECT.
Everyone has at least one thing wrong.
I have ADHD, so does my son. We deal with it the best we can because it is a chemical problem in the brain.
I am terrible at math because of it. My son is getting help so he is better than me at math.
This is no more your "fault" than if you were a person who was nearsighted. We ALL have limitations. AT least you and I, and my son, know what ours are.
Your stepbrother has a limitation called "cruelity." What a terrible way to treat your sister, even if she is your stepsister.
Hope this helps.

Answer 9

NO. Figure out the things that you love to do and focus on those and you'll be great. It sounds like writing is your best subject. Many writers got horrible grades in Math. So don't worry about it!

Answer 10

DON'T LISTEN TO WHAT ANYONE SAYS!!! Listen to me, Do Not Listen to anyone, You are who you are and If Math Isn't your strong Point well then Oh well, Alot of people aren't good at math and as long as you focus on what you are good at you will Be Happy With yourself, You should embrace what you are good at, that's very good you published two books and you're only 13, I wish I could do that. So all and all don't worry about Math I wasn't good at it either I'm just like you and now that I'm grown up I don't care If anyone ever called me stupid or anything Because I look down on them now, so Tell them all to shut up and mind their own business. and be yourself, good luck :)