How Dyslexia Affects Math: Signs, Challenges & Support

When most people think about dyslexia, they immediately connect it to reading difficulties. But research shows that many children with dyslexia also face significant challenges in math. As a parent or teacher, this can be overwhelming. You may notice your child can’t remember basic math facts, misaligns numbers, or gets lost in multi-step word problems. These difficulties aren’t about laziness or lack of intelligence. It means the way we teach math—and the demands we place on language, speed, and working memory—often clash with how their brains process information.

The good news? With the right strategies, tools, and evidence-based programs, children with dyslexia can build stronger math foundations. This blog explains how dyslexia affects math, how it differs from dyscalculia, what teachers and parents typically notice, and the most effective strategies to build confidence and real competence.

🧬What the Science Says About Dyslexia and Math

• About two-thirds of children with dyslexia show some math difficulty. The pattern is uneven—big strengths paired with specific weaknesses.
• Common pain points include: fact retrieval, math vocabulary/symbols, directionality (left/right; top/bottom), and sequencing across steps.
• Gaps tend to persist without targeted support, but they do close with explicit, multisensory instruction and executive-function supports.

• Children with dyslexia are also 3 times more likely to have dyscalculia—a specific math learning disability—than their peers without dyslexia.
• Neuroscience tells us that both math facts and language skills rely heavily on working memory. This means difficulties with retrieving words can spill over into retrieving math facts, such as multiplication tables. Language-related challenges, such as skipping over words like of in math problems, also create barriers to solving equations correctly.

🔍 Dyslexia vs. Dyscalculia: What’s the Difference?

• Dyslexia with math difficulties: Strengths (often visual–spatial reasoning) alongside specific weak spots (language load, working memory, speed, sequencing).
• “True” dyscalculia: A broader, persistent set of math deficits across domains (number sense, calculation, facts, spatial), typically evident early and without strong “islands” of math strength.
• Many children meet criteria for both, but timed tests and anxiety can mask ability—so low, timed scores should be interpreted with caution.

🔢 Common Math Challenges for Students with Dyslexia

• Fact retrieval challenges: Slow output on classwork/tests, especially when timed
• Spatial alignment struggles: Difficulty keeping place on the page or graph
• Sequencing issues: Trouble following multi-step routines
• Confusion with symbols (× ÷ + −)
• Word-problem confusion: Misunderstanding math vocabulary or skipping key words (“of,” “before,” “greater than”)

🔑Why It Happens: Five Core Processes to Support

1.  Language & Math Vocabulary

Small words carry big math meaning (e.g., “half of 4,” “before,” “above,” “difference,” “product”). Weak decoding + limited math vocabulary can derail word problems and procedures.

Try this: Pre-teach a tiny set of terms per unit; keep a near-point reference (mini “math word wall” on the desk). When reading problems, circle the operation words and symbols.

2.  Working Memory & Fact Retrieval

Math facts often draw more on language systems, so retrieval is harder. Holding steps + searching memory at the same time overloads working memory.

Try this: Anchor facts to quantity visuals (arrays/area models), practice in short, daily bursts, and avoid speed drills. Use cover–copy–compare and skip-count arrays.

3.  Speed of Working & Anxiety

Timed tasks elevate anxiety, which suppresses working memory and performance.

Try this: Replace timers with mastery goals and accuracy first. Offer extended time and calm routines. Celebrate correct strategy use, not speed.

4.  Executive Function (EF): Plan → Start → Stick With It

Math demands organization, initiation, sustained attention, and checking—hard for many dyslexic learners.

Try this (teacher/parent):

• Cut the clutter: 1–2 problems per page; large writing space; quiet workspace.
• Standardize routines: same time/place/steps for homework.
• Use step buttons/checklists within arm’s reach.

5.  Visual–Spatial & Directionality

Directionality (left/right, top/bottom) and position words matter. Reading flows left-to-right, but arithmetic doesn’t always—creating confusion.

Try this:

• Teach vertical number lines for integers (up = more, down = less).
• Circle the sign, follow the line (a cue to locate the operation and start point).
• For reversals, trace numbers with gross-motor (on the back/air), then to paper.
• Make graphs bigger; use grids; use graph paper for alignment.

🛠 More Strategies to Support Dyslexic Learners in Math

Here are some research-backed strategies that can help:

• Use multisensory math instruction – Incorporate manipulatives (blocks, counters), movement, and visuals to make concepts concrete.
• Follow the CRA sequence – Teach new concepts using Concrete → Representational → Abstract steps to build deep understanding.
• Reduce time pressure – Avoid timed tests, which can trigger anxiety and misdiagnosis. Focus on accuracy first.
• Leverage visual models – Use number lines, bar models, and graphic organizers to help with sequencing and problem-solving.
• Support language understanding – Pre-teach and review math vocabulary to prevent confusion in word problems.

📚 Programs, Tools, and Training (Examples)

• Curricula: Math-U-See, Singapore Math/Math in Focus (bar models; CRA), Bridges (Home Connections), TouchMath (multisensory), DreamBox (adaptive practice), ST Math (visual problem solving)
• Approaches/Training: Orton-Gillingham-based math (e.g., Marilyn Zecher), Making Math Real, WoodinMath
• Manipulatives & Tech: Base-ten blocks, fraction bars, vertical number lines, digital whiteboards

👉 For books and tools I recommend, see my Recommended Learning Tools page.

✨ A Research-Based Program That Works Together

All About Learning Press offers a complete suite of programs designed to support students with dyslexia across reading, spelling, and math. Each program is explicit, multisensory, and easy to use.

• 📘 All About Reading – builds decoding, fluency, and comprehension
• ✍️ All About Spelling – strengthens encoding, phonics application, and writing through dictation and practice
• 🔢 All About Math – brings the same Orton-Gillingham–inspired, multisensory approach to math instruction

Together, these programs provide a consistent, research-based framework for foundational skills across subjects.

As an affiliate, I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links—at no extra cost to you.

📊When to Seek an Evaluation

• Persistent, broad math difficulty across domains; little response to targeted support
• Severe number-sense issues, fact retrieval, and calculation inefficiency
• Testing should consider untimed performance to avoid anxiety masking ability.
• Ask evaluators to differentiate dyscalculia from dyslexia-related math difficulties and to include instructionally useful recommendations.

❓ FAQs

1) Is dyscalculia the same as dyslexia in math?
No. Dyslexia can affect math through language, working memory, speed, sequencing, and directionality. Dyscalculia reflects more core numerical processing deficits and broader math impairment. They can co-occur.

2) Should my child do timed fact drills?
Not if they raise anxiety. Prioritize accuracy, conceptual grounding, and short, daily retrieval practice.

3) How can I help at home without special training?
Use manipulatives, draw what you build, then write the math. Pre-teach math words. Do one  problem at a time with lots of space.

4) My child is great at visuals but still slow. Why?
Translating rich mental images into symbols on paper taxes working memory and slows output. That’s why CRA, step cues, and extra time help.

5) What about word problems?
Highlight given/unknown/operation in different colors; sketch a bar model; restate the problem in simple language before calculating.

✅Quick Action Checklist

• ☐ Pre-teach math words for the current unit.
• ☐ Use vertical number lines for integers.
• ☐ Switch to two-problem pages; enlarge graphs.
• ☐ Add near-point step cards and a mini math word wall.
• ☐ Keep consistent, calm routines; cut environmental clutter.

💬 Final Thoughts

Dyslexia impacts more than reading—it also affects math. The challenges may look different, but the solution is the same: explicit, multisensory, structured instruction. With the right strategies, programs, and encouragement, children with dyslexia can become confident and capable learners in every subject.

🤝Need Personalized Help?

If you’d like a customized plan for your child (or your classroom), I offer free initial coaching sessions to map next steps and tools that match your learner(s).

👉 Click here to book your free session.

🔎 Acknowledgment

Some of the insights shared in this article were inspired by the excellent work of Made for Math (madeformath.com), an organization dedicated to helping students with dyslexia and other learning differences succeed in math through multisensory and evidence-based practices. Their webinars and resources are valuable supports for families and educators.