Dyslexia and Dyscalculia: Recognising, Understanding, and Supporting

Dyslexia (reading/writing difficulty) and dyscalculia (numeracy difficulty) are not signs of low intelligence — they are specific learning difficulties that can be well managed with the right support.

What Is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia manifests as persistent difficulties with reading and/or writing that cannot be explained by lack of practice or intelligence. Typical signs: Letters are swapped (b/d, p/q), reading is very slow, spelling is poor despite practice.

What Is Dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia shows as fundamental difficulties with numbers and quantities. Affected children struggle with: number sense, times tables, arithmetic operations, and estimating quantities.

When Should Parents Take Action?

If your child still has major reading difficulties in Year 2 despite regular practice. If they can't manage times tables by Year 3. If they suffer emotionally from the subject.

What Can Parents Do?

Reduce pressure! Children with dyslexia or dyscalculia are not lazy or stupid. Praise every improvement. Work with the school. And seek professional help early.

Exam Accommodations

Children with diagnosed learning difficulties are entitled to accommodations. This can include extra time in exams, oral instead of written tests, or different assessment of spelling.