This is the real reason why you may have trouble with numbers ...

Have you ever had a moment where you come across a problem involving numbers and your brain the goes blank?

While most people seem to not be phased by basic maths, for others something as simple as addition or subtraction can be a really sore spot.

If you are one of those people – don’t worry, you’re not unintelligent, you may just have dyscalculia.

According to SPELD NZ dyscalculia is a learning disability that affects 6 per cent of the population and – in a similar way to dyslexia – is caused by a difference in the "function of certain brain pathways".

People with dyscalculia often exhibit these traits:

• A lack of 'intuitive feel' for numbers
• Difficulty understanding basic maths concepts
• Difficulty recognising patterns in numbers eg if 10, 20, 30, 40 then 12, 22, 32, 42
• Inability to estimate the number of objects or people
• Reliance on counting strategies such as counting on fingers
• Slow speed or inability to process numbers in your head
• Making counting errors
• A fear of having to deal with money or finances
• Feeling anxiety during maths tasks
• Maths and numbers feel like a foreign language
• Difficulty remember how to keep score in games, or losing track of whose turn it is