Last Updated on October 13, 2022 by Editorial Team
Dyslexia, which is a learning disorder of difficulty in reading and writing, and Dyscalculia, which is the inability to perform simple arithmetic and maths-related problems are learning disorders that can result in certain alterations in the daily routine of some individuals. Inability to effectively read maps is one such issue at hand.
If you are curious about the link between Dyscalculia and Dyslexia and the ability to read maps, here are a few points to get you a general overview:
1. Brain-Eye coordination
Dyslexia and Dyscalculia can also affect brain-to-eye coordination and thus persons with these learning disabilities often find it hard to judge distances between two points. This in turn may affect their map reading abilities.
Also, persons with Dyscalculia generally have trouble in the estimation of quantities and measurements and thus may not be able to correctly gauge the standardised measurements on the map.
2. Reading difficulties
Also, as we know, persons with dyslexia find a general difficulty in reading words and deciphering random symbols. This difficulty in generalized reading may often translate into difficulty in reading maps. Symbols and signs used in maps may also add to their woes.
3. Difficulty in adaptation
Persons with learning disabilities especially have difficulty in adapting to letters and words should their colour, font, or other characteristics change randomly.
Thus, fancy maps with such characteristics may often prove a hurdle to successful map reading for persons with dyscalculia.
4. Visualisation issues
Some people with dyscalculia have issues in visualising three Dimensional objects from a different angle. This is a major reason for discomfort for them while trying to read the map or even during driving lessons.
5. Left-Right Identification
Persons with Dyscalculia and Dyslexia have difficulty in identifying left from right and generally have a poor sense of direction and spatial reasoning. This may also sometimes add to their confusion while trying to decipher a map.
Boosting child’s confidence in reading maps
- Focus on the positives
Although children with such learning disabilities may have difficulty reading maps, they may excel in other areas. For example, children with dyslexia often have enhanced artistic abilities. You may compliment them if they paint well and teach them that although map reading might not be their forte, they are better off in other areas.
- Practice makes perfect
Once they learn to cope with self-esteem issues, you may ask them to Practice map reading every day. There are cases of persons with dyslexia being expert map readers, even in the army. And nothing is impossible when you mix your sweat with it.
- Provide them with assistance
You can help then start by providing learning disabilities-friendly maps with simpler fonts and colors. This will help them gain confidence. Also, you may start with simplistic, hand-made maps of your neighborhood and then walk them through it for real to help them visualize better.
- Use the technology
We are living in the 21st century, and technology has helped us overcome many challenges. Making map reading easier is just one of them. Apps that provide exact estimations of distances and direction with voice-over support can help them in constant comparison with their own map reading and can be a great asset in their practice sessions.
In the end, it is important to remember that we all have our shortcomings and if you have learning disabilities and map reading is yours, it is in no way the end of the world. Remember, as the world becomes digitalized, geography is fast becoming history.
Summing up,
Although certain lifestyle alterations can occur from these learning disorders, this in no way implies that a well-rounded and fulfilling life can not be achieved by such individuals.
A little bit of practice and perseverance can help in improved map reading. Also, the latest map and cartographic technologies on mobile phones with voice-over support can help in any navigation woes that can arise from time to time.
An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’,