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:

• Learning number sequences (such as counting backwards or step counting)
• Difficulties hearing the similar sounding words (such as thirteen and thirty, ten and tenth)
• Learning number bonds and multiplication facts (times tables)
• Fractions, decimals and percentages
• Understanding and remembering the long multiplication and division procedures
• Understanding and using money
• Reading clocks and calculations with time.
  
  
• Misunderstand some of the mathematical symbols, vocabulary and language.
• Unpicking word problems in maths.
• Difficulties with sequencing and following procedures.
• They forget previously mastered procedures very quickly.