How does dyslexia affect maths learning?

People with dyslexia tend to have poor working memory, speed of processing and rapid retrieval of information from long term memory. These weaknesses will also affect maths learning.

60% of learners with dyslexia have maths learning difficulties. They may develop gaps in their learning because of the hierarchical nature of maths, the lack of firm foundation skills can affect the learning of new skills.

• They may have specific difficulties with certain areas of maths such as fractions and decimals, long division and multiplication, multiplication tables, money and time but not with number skills.

• Misunderstand some of the mathematical terms and language.

• Difficulties with sequencing and following procedures.

• They forget previously mastered procedures very quickly.