Math and Dyslexia

| THE MISLABELED CHILD | Brock Eide, M.D., M.A. | Fernette Eide, M.D. |

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Math and Dyslexia

Some 40% of dyslexics have math difficulties, but many may vary widely in terms of their strength or weakness depending on the type of mathematical task at hand.

More specific details will be discussed in our Math section, but here are some known dyslexia-associated math challenges and talents:

Impaired Numerical Sense
Impaired Finger Counting
Impaired Sequential Memory, Place Value, Time
Impaired Mathematical Operations
Impaired Math Facts Memory
Dysgraphia That Overloads Working Memory
Impaired Language-Based Decoding of Word Problems
Impaired Visual Spatial Memory

Problems with numerical sense, finger counting, and sequence can lead to math difficulties in early school years. Mathematical reasoning may be strong, but calculations may be riddle with mistakes in sequence, flipped symbols, and "careless" mistakes.

Subtraction is often much more complicated than addition or multiplication because in order to be performed effortlessly, it requires a strong sense of number sequence (often a spatial understanding) or well-mastered math facts.

At the same time, some dyslexic students may show strength in mathematical reasoning (usually imagery or visually-based) and perception of shape and spatial relationship (better if hands-on work or a well-developed kinesthetic imagery). Dyslexic mathematicians, scientists, engineers, and financial people often draw heavily on these strengths.

Strong Perception of Shape and Spatial Relationships
Strong Imagery / Visually-Based Reasoning