
Decoding discalculia
"Number blindness", a disorder that renders people incapable of understanding mathematics, is more common among kids than "word blindness" or dyslexia, a new study has claimed.
Researchers at University College, London have based their conclusion on the study of 1,500 school students in Cuba using a simple screening test.
The study found that between three and six per cent of children suffer from dyscalculia, the mathematical equivalent of dyslexia, compared to between 2.5 and 4.3 per cent of kids who suffer from its linguistic counterpart.
According to the study's lead author Prof. Brian Butterworth, the disability had nothing to do with how a child was taught, but was the result of children lacking a proper "sense of numbers", which hinders them in maths lessons.
"Increasingly, the evidence shows that dyscalculia is just as common as dyslexia and yet it is not recognised nearly as widely by teachers, parents, schools, local authorities or central government.
"Individuals may be unaware they have this condition. If they discover that they do, there are no dyscalculia charities to assist them as there are for dyslexia," Professor Butterworth was quoted by 'The Independent' as saying.
Prof Butterworth said it was important to identify the problem early in life so children can be reassured about and given extra lessons that may help.
"Schoolchildren are made very unhappy by it and teachers often feel they are failing these children because they do not know how to help them. It can be debilitating for people who are affected.
"Maths and calculations are essential in everyday life and low numeracy can be a real handicap in the workplace," he was quoted as saying.

Fried food intake linked to heightened serious heart disease, stroke risk

One alcoholic drink in a day linked to risk of atrial fibrillation: Study

Study: Androgen therapy can be alternative treatment strategy for breast cancer
- A new discovery finds positive role of androgens in breast cancer treatment. Study says androgen therapy has immediate implications for women resistant to current forms of endocrine therapy

Seropositivity for Covid-19 found to be lesser in smokers, vegetarians

Malaika Arora's asana for the week is Sarvangasana, it has countless benefits
- This week, Malaika Arora showed her followers how to do the Sarvangasana aka the shoulder stand. The fitness enthusiast shares an asana every week to urge her followers to exercise.

Shilpa Shetty Kundra's favourite fitness routine releases pent up stress | Watch
- Shilpa Shetty Kundra’s Monday motivation for a healthy lifestyle is all about getting set for the day with a liberated mind free of stress and these are the exercises that make up her fitness routine to rejuvenate | Watch

Here's how changing diets might drive global rise in childhood obesity

Study finds metabolism's possible role in depression

Researchers find how cancer can be killed by body's own immune system

Study: Covid-19 pandemic induced food inadequacy is connected to depression

Taapsee Pannu's healthy laddoos will give any dessert a run for its money
- Taapsee Pannu has been following a diet for the preparation of her film Rashmi Rocket. However, her diet is not as boring as one would imagine. It even includes laddoos. Yes, you can read that again.

Study uncovers connection between intestinal microorganisms, diet and ailments

Here's why breastfed babies have improved immune systems

In coronavirus pandemic era, older adults isolated but resilient

Watch: Kiara Advani's high-intensity fitness video will leave you breathless
- Kiara Advani's trainer recently shared a video of the Kabir Singh actor doing a high-intensity work out. To be honest, we are in awe.