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People who have trouble understanding mathematics may have a numeric form of dyslexia - dyscalculia.
Auckland University researchers Anna Wilson and Karen Waldie will study why some people suffer from dyscalculia, a learning disability that makes it difficult for the brain to process and understand numbers and simple mathematics.
Dyscalculia is just as common as dyslexia, affecting 6 per cent of the population, but research tends to focus on dyslexia, Dr Wilson says, and many people do not even know the condition exists.
Half of the people with dyscalculia also have dyslexia.
Dr Wilson will try to identify the cognitive and neurological symptoms of dyscalculia.
"Our research will help understand the causes of dyscalculia, ways to diagnose individuals and the best way to intervene and treat it."
The study will include adults aged 18 to 35 years in the Auckland region who suffer from maths and reading learning difficulties.
- NZPA
