Dyslexia and maths: the overlap

Dyslexia is a reading and processing difference, so it shows up in maths in ways parents do not always expect.

Where it causes trouble

• Reading the question itself, especially multi-step problems.
• Copying numbers incorrectly from one line to the next.
• Losing place in long calculations.
• Remembering the order of operations.
• Reading and writing mathematical symbols.

What usually is not affected

Reasoning and mathematical thinking are often excellent. Many children with dyslexia explain their method beautifully out loud and then write it down wrongly.

Adjustments that help

Squared paper, a maths dictionary of symbols, reading questions aloud, and allowing extra time. These are not advantages — they remove barriers unrelated to the maths being assessed.