Understanding Dyslexia and Dyscalculia: A Comprehensive Guide
Updated: Aug 9
Dyslexia and Maths Difficulties
Dyslexia is a set of processing difficulties that affect the acquisition of reading and spelling. At the core of dyslexia is a difficulty with phonological processing (i.e., in phonological awareness, phonological processing speed, or phonological memory). Difficulties with working memory, processing speed, and orthographic skills are also common in dyslexia.
It is estimated (BDA, 2026) that 60% of individuals with dyslexia also have difficulties with maths. Difficulties with maths can arise from various factors. Dyslexia itself can contribute to maths difficulties because associated differences in working memory, processing speed, and reading comprehension can all affect mathematical learning. If you'd like to learn more about dyslexia, you can read about my Dyslexia Assessment service and what a comprehensive assessment involves.
However, where maths difficulties are more pronounced, an individual may be diagnosed with 'dyscalculia' or a 'Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD) in Mathematics.' Although both are recognised Specific Learning Difficulties in the UK, there are important differences between them.
What is Dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia is thought to affect around 6% of people, and it is a persistent and severe difficulty with numerical magnitude processing (understanding quantities and numbers). Individuals with dyscalculia may struggle to order and compare physical quantities and numbers, estimate quantities, or use place value.
What is a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD) in Mathematics?
A Specific Learning Difficulty in Mathematics is thought to affect around 25% of people, and this is more commonly diagnosed than dyscalculia.
Some people may not meet the diagnostic criteria for dyscalculia if they don't have a specific impairment in numerical magnitude processing. However, they may still have equally debilitating difficulty with maths due to other processing difficulties. For example, it may be that maths difficulties stem from impaired language skills, working memory, or visual-spatial processing.
Among individuals diagnosed with a Specific Learning Difficulty in Mathematics, the underlying reasons for their mathematical difficulties may differ considerably. Understanding those underlying factors is one of the most valuable outcomes of assessment, as it allows support to be tailored to the individual's specific learning profile. If you'd like to learn more about dyscalculia, you can read about my Dyscalculia Assessment service and what a comprehensive assessment involves.
How Do Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and SpLD in Mathematics Differ?
Can Someone Have Both Dyslexia and Dyscalculia?
Although dyslexia, dyscalculia, and Specific Learning Difficulty in Mathematics are distinct diagnoses, they can and do occur together.
Perhaps more importantly, two individuals with the same diagnosis may have very different underlying cognitive profiles.
This is why a comprehensive assessment is about much more than assigning a diagnostic label. By understanding why learning feels difficult (whether that relates to language, working memory, executive functioning, visual-spatial processing, or number understanding), I can provide recommendations tailored to the individual.
When appropriate, I assess both literacy and mathematical learning within the same assessment process. This allows me to build a complete picture of how an individual learns and identify whether difficulties are best explained by dyslexia, dyscalculia, an SpLD in Mathematics, or a combination of these.
Ultimately, the greatest benefit of assessment is not simply receiving a diagnosis but gaining a deeper understanding of how someone learns and using that understanding to put effective support in place.
The Importance of Tailored Support
Understanding the specific challenges faced by individuals with dyslexia, dyscalculia, or SpLD in Mathematics is crucial for effective intervention. Tailored support can significantly enhance learning outcomes.
Strategies for Support
Individualised Learning Plans: Creating a personalised learning plan can address specific needs. This may include targeted interventions in reading, writing, or maths.
Use of Technology: Various tools and apps can assist in learning. For example, text-to-speech software can help with reading difficulties, while visual aids can support mathematical concepts.
Regular Monitoring: Continuous assessment and feedback can help track progress and adjust strategies as needed.
Collaboration with Educators: Working closely with teachers can ensure that the support provided at home aligns with what is being done in the classroom.
Encouragement and Understanding: Providing a supportive environment where mistakes are seen as part of the learning process can boost confidence and motivation.
Conclusion
I provide comprehensive dyslexia and mathematics assessments for children across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, helping families understand not just what the diagnosis is, but why learning is difficult and what support is likely to be most effective.
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