Mathematics and dyslexia

Updated on: Thursday, August 05, 2010

Dyslexia is often referred to as “the hidden handicap”. Children with this difficulty exhibit no physical symptoms, thereby evoking little sympathy. Many of them are simply branded as lazy and are constantly criticized for being underachievers. Literally dyslexia means difficulty in reading. It is derived from the conjunction of “dys” (difficulty) and” lexia ( reading) Extensive research has been conducted, yet there is no clear, singly identifiable biological cause for it occurrence.

Hereditary, neurological and faulty genes have been singled out as particularly important. New research also underlines environmental factors such as parenting which may play a contributing role. It follows therefore as no surprise that “dyslexia” has become a convenient term for reading difficulties in general.

While Dyslexia is associated with reading and writing, Dyscalculia is the term coined for characterizing the difficulty encountered in conducting mathematical operations. It too originates from the Greek word meaning “counting badly”. Many so called normal people are not very comfortable dealing with simple mathematical operations.

This can take the form of an anxiety which grips those who may well be outstanding in other fields.

Dyscalculia is very widespread in dyslexic children. Since simple calculations as basic as buying provisions for the house or buying a book is a integral part of our daily life, it is imperative that we have a basic idea of math and its simple operations.

Stigma

So people who have difficulty in simple calculations are often humiliated and stigmatized. which in turn makes them frustrated ending up with them having all sorts of behavioral problems. Some of us quite pass the responsibility entirely to teachers and say that they are responsible for making the subject uninspiring and dull.

Number crunch

As stated, Math has always been an area of difficulty for most dyslexics. In its basic level it also involves concepts like direction, sequencing and symbols.

Take for example a simple sum 20 +90. A child with dyscalculia might not be able to distinguish the columns of units and tens and hence start adding the tens first. Some symbols are difficult to comprehend like the symbols of addition,+ and multiplication x .So when a child is given a sum he may well be mystified as to what the symbols signify. One typical example would be when one is doing a drill practice.

Many children find it extremely difficult to distinguish between the left and right arm or leg. Some of them have difficulty in conceptualizing time and so are never sure of dates or terms like” tomorrow “and “today.” Another classic example is sequencing. They find it extremely hard to remember the order of steps required for the operation.

Behaviour patterns

So in conclusion one can say that dyslexia is the general/common term for learning difficulty.

But Dyscalculia is equally prevalent in dyslexic students. It is then but a small step for these children to have a consequent string of behavioral problems such as temper tantrums. This is so since they are constantly being humiliated and labelled.

Research has proved that it is vital for parents, teachers and well-wishers to know the learning styles of children—whether the child involved learns and absorbs better, while listening (auditory) or seeing (visual) or learning with the help of all these senses called multi-sensory. One must build up the child's self confidence and self esteem which will diminish their inhibition as well as make them willing to take up the challenge of their difficulties and over time contribute to society in meaningful ways— while also finding the whole experience refreshing and joyful.

Mathematics and dyslexia

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