Are we ALL math whizzes?

Post Reply New Topic

So, from what I've read, Aspies are supposed to love math and essentially despise English (unless something related to English is a special interest). However, this is not me at all!

When I tested into college, I scored in the 97th percentile in English and only the 30th percentile in math! I've always really hated math, because I couldn't grasp it. When I could grasp it, such as when I first learned basic algebra (2x=6, etc), I did get totally excited and kind of obsessed with doing algebra problems. Once it got more complicated, though, I would kind of just shut down.

Once I was in college, I took a remedial math class, and earned the highest grade in the class. It seems that any math that is complicated enough to require a calculator is too much for me, but if I can calculate it with a pencil and paper, I tend to excel.

My trouble with math may also be because I tend to solve problems differently than others, and in school, you're taught a very specific way to do it, and showing work is part of the grade. When I was in an advanced biology class last year in college (ooops, meant to sign up for a general education requirement), we had to calculate some things in lab, and I tried to explain the process to my classmates, who hadn't understood the teacher's explanation. Well, they got even more confused. Anyway, the teacher came around, and I had the correct answer, but when he saw how I did it, he was completely perplexed.

By the way, I was the only non-science major in the class, and I earned the highest grade, despite feeling like I didn't understand most of the material.

Anyway, super long story not-so-short...just wondering where everyone else stands on the supposed Aspie obsession with math and numbers.

Numbers, oh, numbers are silly things only useful for finding patterns in.

Math, math, on the other hand is my primary special interest.

I don't think every Aspie is great at maths, I know I'm not, Still, I am obsessed with numbers, it's just that I'm obsessed with time and dates.

I am good at math (mainly because a lot of it is just memorizing) and can do simpler stuff so fast people are amazed. But I have sucked at school work for a while, if I actually did the homework I am usually pretty good at it.

I have always had trouble with math. But both my parents - who have strong aspergers traits- are math whizzes. However in college, when I majored in psychology, I had to take a statistics class and was very nervous about it. Then I turned out to really like it and wound up getting a minor in statistics. However, it was a stat minor that did not require calculus, it was oriented toward statistical testing without the calculus that it's built on. I don't think I could learn calculus, although I wish I could. But I was surprised how much I like the classes I took and how well I did getting A in every class.

I am very bad at factoring algebra.

I was good at math until I started questioning my surroundings. Up until the point where I became better at understanding social interactions, my math skills were great. My theory is that because I didn't understand other people, I was better able to block them out and accomplish great things. The more focused I became on others and "social appropriateness" the worse I got at things that required immense concentration.

Or maybe it's my leftover teen angst speaking.

Math is too broad a term for me. I love geometry, equations used in chemistry, that kind of math.
There is a purpose to it. A reason for it, in my opinion. When it starts with theories that include imaginary and negative numbers and such, that's when I tune out. You can't physically hold a negative amount of something in your hand. Don't even get me started on "Imaginary Numbers"!
Seriously, what logical purpose do they serve??? Figuring Santa Claus' pant's size? The volume of a unicorn horn? Oooh, Maybe how far away did "Puff the Magic Dragon" really live from the sea?

Please, math type people. Do not try and explain. You will not change my mind. To me, if something is illogical, it has no real value to me. If I don't "get" it...It's just me. You can ask my teachers.


My teachers: Me

I can guarantee that this is absolutely false. I love maths but I've always been completely terrible at it. I favour subjects like physics, biology and, yes, English.

Maths have always been easy for me because it's quite simple and logical where as most other disciplines are not logical. But later I got fed up with it because I had other concerns. As Mindslave, maths have a tendency to absorb all the mind, and that is not always convenient. I love English for many reasons.

ROFLOL. I finally break one of the sterotypes! Its about time..
I sucked at math in school, beyond addition & subtraction. Part of the reason was misguided/overbearing attempts by parents to "help" me. I became quite phobic about it.
I've gotten over that, but I'm not terribly profcient in it. Years in Retail have helped.
I'm better with words, myself.

Sincerely,
Matthew