Dyslexia and Math: Can Dyslexia Cause Math Struggles?
"Why is my child struggling in math if they have Dyslexia?"
Dyslexia mostly affects reading and language-related skills, but it can also have impacts on math. Why? Because some “thinking skills” — cognitive processes — are involved in both reading and math.
Here, we'll explore the ways in which dyslexia can affect math confidence and grades, and how these struggles are NOT the same as dyscalculia, a specific learning disorder that primarily affects math skills.
Dyslexia's Impact on Mathematical Abilities
As we said above, many of the skills needed to read also come into play with math. This overlap can lead to challenges in lots of math areas including:
1. Symbol Recognition: When someone has Dyslexia, their mind may not quickly and easily understand symbols — and math uses a lot of symbols, like: + - = %. So, on those timed math drills, this inability to notice differences in symbols will be even more noticeable, and sometimes confused for ‘laziness’ or not paying attention.
2. Working Memory: Working memory is so important for both reading and math! Difficulties with working memory can affect a person's ability to hold and manipulate numerical information, which can lead to challenges in solving mathematical problems. For example, keeping track of mental math in long division or even copying the problem from the textbook can be tricky.
3. Word Problems: people with Dyslexia may have difficulty understanding and solving math word problems, as these problems require strong reading comprehension skills. And, many word problems use names, which as we all know, don’t always follow spelling rules. My last name is Heinemeier. . . So, yeah.
4. Sequential Processing: Dyslexia often involves challenges with sequential processing, or putting things in a certain order. In fact, many parents and teachers are surprised when children with Dyslexia are unable to say the days of the weeks or months in order. Mathematical operations often follow a sequence, and difficulties with sequencing can lead to errors in calculations. Something else to think about is that math requires understanding how things build and grow. If you think of a number line, each number is related to the one before that. The same is true for place value, money counting, and telling time.
5. Phonological Awareness: While phonological awareness — how well you hear and understand chunks of language sounds — primarily relates to language, it can also play a role in mathematics. Phonological awareness weaknesses may affect someone’s ability to recognize and mix up the sounds within numbers or mathematical concepts. Think of how closely “14” and “40” sound to each other, for example.
6. Executive Function: Executive function skills, which include planning, organization, and attention control, are important for mathematical problem-solving. People with Dyslexia may experience challenges in these areas, which can lead to difficulties in keeping track of steps in complex mathematical problems and word problems with unimportant information.
Of course, like anything with Dyslexia, not everybody with Dyslexia will have problems in math. This is why the report from your child’s evaluation is so important! It should explain which of these thinking skills are strengths and which are weaknesses, so that you know what to expect in all academic areas.
Effective strategies and accommodations can help individuals with dyslexia overcome mathematical challenges, such as providing extra time for math assignments, using visual aids, and teaching mathematical concepts through multiple modalities. Early intervention and support are essential to address both reading and mathematical difficulties in individuals with dyslexia.
Dyslexia and Math Problems vs. Dyscalculia
Dyslexia and dyscalculia are two distinct learning disorders that both impact math skills but do so in different ways.
Dyslexia and Math Problems: Dyslexia primarily affects reading and language skills, and its impact on math is more indirect. Dyslexic individuals may struggle with reading and understanding math word problems and may have limitations in working memory for mathematical information.
Dyscalculia and Math Problems
Dyscalculia is a specific learning disorder that directly affects mathematical concepts, operations, and spatial reasoning. It profoundly impacts math skills, including basic numerical concepts and arithmetic operations. While the thinking skills that are weak may still overlap those with Dyslexia, there will be other thinking skills — cognitive processes — that are the real underlying issue affecting math. For example, visual-spatial processing, long-term memory access, and reasoning. Look out for our upcoming article about Dyscalculia specifics.
In summary, while dyslexia can influence math skills, it primarily affects reading and language abilities, indirectly impacting math. Dyscalculia, on the other hand, is a specific math-related learning disorder. Recognizing these distinctions is essential for providing targeted interventions and support for individuals with these conditions.
Beyond a Label: A Holistic Approach to Dyslexia
Dyslexia is not a one-size-fits-all condition. It varies from person to person, and understanding the specific cognitive processes that affect your child is essential. Tailoring interventions and support to address these specific challenges is crucial for success. Good evaluations take you Beyond a Label and into full understanding of HOW your child struggles and WHAT to do about it.
Reach Out to Clever Cogs
If you're concerned about your child's learning difficulties, contacting Clever Cogs is a proactive step to gain a better understanding of your child's cognitive processes and learning needs. By conducting assessments and consultations, Clever Cogs can provide targeted interventions that address the unique challenges your child faces, leading to improved reading, math, and writing skills.
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