Maths and Dyslexia

Because Einstein had dyslexia, some people think that all people with dyslexia are brilliant at maths. Unfortunately this is not so. According to the British Dyslexia Association (Joffe, 1981) about 11% of those with dyslexia excel in mathematics, 29% do as well as their peers and 60% have some difficulty.

Dyscalculia is the term used for dyslexia for numbers and maths. While some experts say that this condition can exist without an accompanying reading difficulty much research still remains to be done in the area.

The areas of maths that dyslexic students find most difficult are:

• The language of maths
• Sequencing
• Orientation
• Memory, e.g. learning tables, formulas, etc.

There are very few fully qualified remedial maths teachers in the country, but the DAI has details of some tutors who may be able to help. There are software programmes available to help with maths at all levels, though most concentrate on numeracy skills rather than developing mathematical concepts.

Maths Resources

The following are some good books on maths and dyslexia.

• Chinn, S. and Ashcroft, J.R. (Ed.) - Maths for Dyslexics, 2nd Edition - Whurr, 1998.
• Henderson, A. - Maths and Dyslexia - Llandudno, St. David's College, 1989.
• Henderson, A. and Miles, E. - Basic Topics in Mathematics for Dyslexics - Whurr, 2001.
• Kay, J. and Yeo, D. - Dyslexia and Maths - David Fulton Publishers, 2003.
• Miles, T.R. and Miles, E. (Ed.) - Dyslexia and Mathematics - Routledge, 1992.

The British Dyslexia Association's website (www.bda-dyslexia.org.uk) has a series of information leaflets which offer good advice on maths and dyslexia, from suggested teaching strategies to suitable computer software.

Diskovery and Award Systems (see the Resources section) both stock a range of computer software which helps to develop maths and numeracy skills.

Elephant Tables is a card game to help children learn their multiplication tables. Details from www.elephantproducts.co.uk or Tel: 0044 28 9260 5520.