Hi, welcome to Talking with Donna. I am so glad you could join me.
So far, we have discussed many aspects of Specific Learning Disorders (SLD). By now, we understand that these disorders can sometimes overlap with other conditions or appear within the same subcategories of SLD. Today, we will continue our discussion on Dyscalculia Disorder.
I hope this series has been helpful for some and informative for others. These are just a few examples of the many forms of Specific Learning Disorders. It is important to understand that SLDs can vary in severity and presentation from person to person. Some individuals may experience a combination of symptoms that do not neatly fit into one category. Proper diagnosis and treatment by a qualified mental health professional are essential for effective support and management.
Before we get to the “meat” of this blog, let me share a few things about the month of May.
The month of May can affect people emotionally because it is a season of change, growth, and transition. For some people, the warmer weather, longer days, sunshine, flowers, and outdoor activities can improve mood and energy. For others, seasonal changes may increase stress, anxiety, sadness, loneliness, or emotional sensitivity. May is also recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States, which encourages people to talk more openly about emotional wellness, healing, stress, and self-care.
The Spiritual Meaning of May
Spiritually, May is often connected with growth, renewal, healing, abundance, fertility, and blossoming into one’s higher purpose. It is the season when nature becomes fuller and more alive, symbolizing emotional awakening and personal transformation. Many spiritual traditions see May as a time to plant seeds for future goals, strengthen faith, reconnect with joy, and nurture meaningful relationships. The energy of May encourages us to move from survival into creativity, balance, and expansion. Some believe this season carries uplifting energy that encourages people to let go of emotional burdens and focus on balance, peace, and transformation.
Fun Facts About May
May is the fifth month of the year and is named after Maia, an ancient Roman goddess associated with spring, growth, and nurturing energy. The birth flowers for May are the Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn, symbols of hope, sweetness, and protection. May’s birthstone is the Emerald, being wisdom, healing, prosperity, and love.
In many places, May is associated with flowers, festivals, graduations, warmer weather, and outdoor celebrations. Events such as the Kentucky Derby, Mother’s Day, and Memorial Day all take place during May here in the United States.
Historical Facts About May
The name “May” comes from Maia, a Roman earth and fertility goddess honored during the spring season. Ancient Romans celebrated this month with festivals focused on agriculture, prosperity, and growth. In medieval Europe, people welcomed the warmer weather with May Day celebrations that included flowers, dancing, and maypoles.
Historically, May has also connected to labor movements because International Workers’ Day is also celebrated on May 1st in many countries. Important historical moments in May include the end of World War II in Europe in May of 1945 and many powerful Civil Rights demonstrations throughout history.
Positive Thought for May
May reminds us that growth takes time. Just as flowers bloom gradually after rain and cold seasons, people also heal, grow wiser, and become stronger one step at a time.
Over the years, I have collected what some people might call “junk information,” but for me, it is treasured wisdom. Some of it came from my parents, grandparents, aunties in the kitchen while cooking, my father and his friends, my uncles, school, life experiences, and simply listening and learning.
So, I say all that to say this: I have been around for more earth cycles and moons than you need to know, and along the way I gathered a lot of treasured information. Just remember — one woman’s junk is another woman’s treasure… and here is some of mine.
Now, let’s get into it.
Disclaimer
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health challenges, please seek professional mental health services. This information is not intended to diagnose, replace treatment, or substitute for therapy. It is provided for educational purposes only.
Dyscalculia Disorder
There is a lot of information surrounding Dyscalculia Disorder. Today we will look at the following topics:
- What challenges do people with dyscalculia face?
- What can individuals do to help offset symptoms?
- What types of exercises may help?
- What yoga poses may benefit people challenged with dyscalculia?
- What is a balanced diet for someone affected by dyscalculia?
What Challenges Do People with Dyscalculia Face?
People with dyscalculia often struggle with understanding numbers, math symbols, counting, telling time, reading clocks, handling money, remembering math facts, or following the steps in math problems. Everyday tasks such as budgeting, measuring ingredients while cooking, understanding directions, or calculating change can feel stressful and confusing.
Some individuals may feel embarrassed, anxious, frustrated, or may avoid situations involving numbers because they fear making mistakes. Children and adults with dyscalculia are intelligent — their brains simply process numbers differently.
What Can Individuals Do to Help Offset Symptoms of Dyscalculia?
People with dyscalculia can improve daily functioning by using supportive tools and practicing skills in simple, manageable ways. Breaking problems into smaller steps, using calculators without shame, color-coding numbers, using visual charts, practicing hands-on learning, and repeating information slowly can all help.
Many individuals benefit from tutoring, educational therapy, memory games, and learning apps designed specifically for math support. It is also important to reduce stress and avoid negative self-talk because anxiety can worsen symptoms. Patience, encouragement, and consistent practice often help build confidence over time.
What Types of Exercises Help with Dyscalculia?
Exercises that combine movement, visuals, and repetition tend to work well. Counting objects like coins, beads, or blocks may help strengthen number recognition. Card games, board games, puzzles, matching games, Sudoku, and rhythm exercises can improve memory and sequencing skills. Simple daily activities such as measuring food, sorting objects by size, or practicing money skills can also be beneficial. Some people benefit from mindfulness practices, breathing exercises, and yoga because reducing stress improves focus and learning. Brain-training activities involving patterns, memory, and spatial awareness may also support cognitive development.
Helpful Yoga Poses for Dyscalculia
Yoga can be helpful for people affected by dyscalculia because it improves focus, body awareness, memory, balance, coordination, sequencing, and relaxation. Since dyscalculia can sometimes affect spatial awareness and information processing, yoga helps calm the nervous system while strengthening the connection between the brain and body.
Simple poses such as Tree Pose, Mountain Pose, Cat-Cow Pose, and Child’s Pose may help improve concentration, confidence, emotional balance, and stress reduction. Deep breathing and gentle stretching also support relaxation and mental clarity.
Yoga teaches patience and reminds us that learning challenges do not define a person’s intelligence, value, or worth.
Join me next month as we continue this disorder series with a discussion on dyscalculia disorder.
Next months discussion will include:
- What is a balanced diet for people affected with dyscalculia disorder?
- What foods might individuals with dyscalculia disorder consider avoiding?
- Two recipes’ people with dyscalculia disorder may want to try
- Organizations that offer support, aid, or information for individuals challenged with dyscalculia disorder (USA, International, and Hearing-Impaired Resources)
I hope you had a chance to check out the webpage for Fit By Any Means in Hammond. If you live in the area, go check them out and tell them Donna sent you!
I would also love for you to continue joining me here on my blog, Talking with Donna, where I share information and discussions surrounding mental health and wellness.
And of course darling you can also listen to my podcast, also called Talking with Donna, where I provide meditations for stress relief, relaxation, and mindfulness. Although the episodes are older, I hope to begin recording new meditations soon.
You can find the podcast on:
- Spotify
- Apple Podcasts
- Google Podcasts
- Overcast
- Stitcher
- Amazon Music
- Pocket Casts
- iHeart Radio
Again, thank you so much for joining me. Please remember to Like, Share, and Follow. You can also email me at: talkingwithdonna@gmail.com
And remember — if you or someone you know is experiencing mental health challenges, please seek professional assistance.
Talking with Donna 