Aspies and math

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-29-2003
Aspies and math
13
Sun, 12-02-2007 - 4:05pm

My 10 year old daughter is a probable Aspie (we don't have a medical diagnosis yet), and it seems like many Aspies are GOOD at math, but she is not.


 


Mich

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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-28-2006
Sun, 12-02-2007 - 4:29pm

Hi Michelle,


I wish I knew this answer!

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-29-2003
Sun, 12-02-2007 - 4:44pm

Maybe it IS a spectrum thing!


 


Mich

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-28-2006
Sun, 12-02-2007 - 6:30pm

Chris's teacher moves the seats around every few weeks which drives me crazy because it's something that really bothers him.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-25-2003
Sun, 12-02-2007 - 10:45pm

Peter is much the same. He is great when it comes to straight computation, but anything abstract and all that stuff they need to do now about explaining how you got to the answer is very difficult for him. His standard answer is "I'm a math genius." LOL.

-Paula

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-25-2007
Mon, 12-03-2007 - 4:44am
My 9yo Aspie is also good at math and scored in the advanced level for his grade on the state test last year. However he frequently shuts down when a new concept is introduced. I think the problem has more to do with executive function than the ability to do the computations. Advanced math problems usually require multiple steps and knowing which step to do first etc. If I break the steps down for him he is able to do it easily, but just looking at a big problem by himself overwhelms him. His teacher and I are working to help him improve this. He is really struggling with decimals right now and I keep trying to tell him that decimals don't change the math, they just tell you were to line things up. It is still just addition and subtraction. He thinks if the unit is called decimals it MUST be different than adding and subtracting:D
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-29-2003
Mon, 12-03-2007 - 11:34am

I can't even say that my daughter is "good" at math-----she's been getting Fs!


 


Mich

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-28-2007
Mon, 12-03-2007 - 11:53am

Michelle,

Have you ever had your dd given a good IQ test? We were able to see ds's strengths and weaknesses on paper which helps me at least understand their learning styles, and possible future problems. It's common for aspies and ASD kids to be strionger in computational math as it's logical and not as abstract. Liam is defintely stronger in math (on grade level) but at least a full grade behind , if not more in reading and writing. Still, despite his grade level ability he still failed the state tests by a measly 2 points at the end of first grade. But again that was due to how the test is admiinistered: ie teacher can't deviate from the wording on the test...blah...

I'd say get a good psychologist and get an idea of her learning stuyle. hth

Dee

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-29-2004
Tue, 12-04-2007 - 3:29pm

I agree with Paula. Keep working on various flavors. Sometimes these are taught technique. My friend's daughter figures out the operation based on certain word pattern. She self did this after her parents worked with her on numerous problems.


iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2003
Tue, 12-04-2007 - 3:58pm

Yeah the NYS math tests are a Beast. I had asked if Josh could use lined paper to take his math tests to help keep his work neat and properly aligned so they can see his work and make it easier for him to see it clear. Let's face it we are up to Algebra and you have to be able to show the work on how you get the answer in a space smaller than 3 lines with a child whose handwritting sucks to begin with.


I WAS TOLD HE COULDN'T BECAUSE EVEN WITH ALL OF HIS ACCOMADATIONS on the NYS test his IEP means diddley squat when he has to sit to take the actual tets. So he can not use separete lined paper to help keep his math problems organized.


Also the word problems trip hm up to always have always will. But Josh has gotten better with handleing money.


UGH


Rina

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Tue, 12-04-2007 - 7:07pm

From what I've read in various books, it is pretty common for aspies to have problems with math, especially word problems because they have a hard time pulling out the relevant bits of information.

Haley is 10 and has a miserable time with math. It isn't that she can't do the work... its just too much information in her head and she just wants to explode. Word problems especially send her over the edge.

Rina, I hear you on the NYS math tests. OMGosh they are HORRIBLE! I dread the state tests in general. Haley manages but just barely.

We have the same trouble with showing work in math. Haley's handwriting is sloppy and huge. She can't write in small spaces at all.




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Mom to Erin (19) and Haley (10yo Aspie)


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Mom to Erin (19) and Haley (10yo Asp

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