Research abstract

Dyscalculia in an Award-Winning Mathematician

Dyscalculia and Dyslexia are two of the most common learning disorders in the United States. People have to overcome barriers related to them every day, but one young woman has beaten the odds and is an award winning mathematician. Read this article to hear her story. By Fernette Eide

Laura Lurns Last updated September 13, 2016 · 1 min read

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Many people assume Dyslexia affects people in the same way, but there are different forms of this learning difficulty. For Emma King, an award winning mathematician, basic arithmetic can prove to be difficult. She finds more complex equations, like Algebra to be easier than simple addition. Emma’s form of Dyslexia is known as dyscalculia.

Emma has different ways to cope with her difficulty on a day to day basis. She “takes notes on absolutely everything.” Pencil and paper are her allies when trying to solve a math problem. She works better with symbols than actual numbers. Even though she is a mathematician, Emma uses a tutor to help. She is proof that even good things can come from difficulty.

Key takeaways

Dyscalculia causes difficulties in mathematics but a mathematician is winning the battle against this challenge.
Emma King is a mathematician who has a PHD and does not let this struggle affect her passion in a negative way.
Emma is an inspiration for anyone who suffers from dyscalculia in that it doesn’t matter what stands in your way, you can overcome.

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Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert Writes about the learning brain for parents who want plain answers. Every article is grounded in current neuroscience and classroom practice.

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