Dyslexia Signs: Difficulties with Math

The language of mathematics is often poorly understood by the dyslexic up until the age of twelve — and even beyond. The word dyscalculia is often used to refer to this problem.

Difficulties with math can be identified by the following symptoms:

• The dyslexic may have a problem with numbers and calculations involving adding, subtracting and time tables.

• He may be confused by similar-looking mathematical signs: + and ×; –, ÷ and =; < (less than) and > (greater than).

• He may not grasp that the words ‘difference’, ‘reduction’ and ‘minus’ all suggest ‘subtraction’.

• He may understand the term ‘adding’, yet be thrown if asked to ‘find the total’.
• The dyslexic may reverse numbers, and read or write 17 for 71.
• He may transpose numbers i.e., 752 – 572.
• He may have a difficulty with mental arithmetic.
• He may have a problem with telling the time.

Around 60 percent of dyslexics have difficulty with basic mathematics. Some dyslexics are only numerically dyslexic but this can also be most embarrassing, as any person will soon find if he sends a check for $906.00 instead of $609.00!