What is Dyslexia &
Dyscalculia?
Dyslexia and Dyscalculia are specific learning differences regarding information processing. Understanding them is the first step towards unlocking potential.
What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a learning difference which primarily affects reading and writing skills. However, it does not only affect these skills.
Dyslexia is actually about information processing. Dyslexic people may have difficulty processing and remembering information they see and hear, which can affect learning and the acquisition of literacy skills. Dyslexia can also impact on other areas such as organisational skills.
"It is important to remember that there are positives to thinking differently. Many dyslexic people show strengths in areas such as reasoning and in visual and creative fields."
The Delphi Definition of Dyslexia
In 2025, a Delphi consensus study brought together researchers and practitioners from across the globe to agree on a unified definition of dyslexia, reducing confusion and providing clarity for diagnosis and support.
The Complete Delphi Definition
"Dyslexia is a set of processing difficulties that affect the acquisition of reading and spelling.
Some or all aspects of literacy attainment (word reading accuracy, reading fluency, reading comprehension and/or spelling) are weak in relation to age, standard instruction, and other attainments.
The most commonly observed cognitive weakness is a difficulty in phonological processing (phonological awareness, phonological short-term/working memory, and/or rapid automatised naming speed). Difficulties in other areas of cognition including visual and auditory processing, working memory, processing speed, and automaticity have also been observed.
Difficulties in reading fluency and spelling are the key markers for dyslexia across all languages. Dyslexic difficulties exist on a continuum.
Dyslexia frequently co-occurs with related specific learning difficulties, including dyscalculia, developmental language disorder, ADHD, and developmental coordination disorder."
— Snowling, Hulme, & Nation (2025). Delphi Consensus Study
Processing Difficulties
Dyslexia is a set of processing difficulties that affect the acquisition of reading and spelling.
Literacy Attainment
Some or all aspects of literacy attainment are weak in relation to age, standard instruction, and other attainments.
Cognitive Weaknesses
The most commonly observed cognitive weakness is a difficulty in phonological processing (awareness, speed, or memory).
Universal Markers
Difficulties in reading fluency and spelling are key markers across all languages.
Co-occurrence
Frequently co-occurs with developmental language disorder, dyscalculia, ADHD, and developmental coordination disorder (DCD) known as dyspraxia in the UK.
Screening Assessments
We offer screening assessments for both dyslexia and dyscalculia. These are useful indicators to pinpoint specific difficulties and help ensure the right support is put in place quickly.
For both dyscalculia and dyslexia, we offer two types of screening:
- Short Screener: A quick indication of potential traits.
- In-depth Screener: A more detailed look at specific strengths and weaknesses to guide intervention.
How does Dyslexia affect Maths?
Weaknesses in working memory and processing speed often impact maths learning.60% of learners with dyslexia have maths learning difficulties.
Number Sequences
Learning sequences & counting backwards.
Auditory Confusion
Hearing similar words clearly (e.g., thirteen vs thirty).
Memory Recall
Remembering times tables & number bonds.
Word Problems
Unpicking the language in maths problems.
Complex Concepts
Fractions, decimals, and percentages.
Symbol Recognition
Understanding and distinguishing mathematical symbols.
Sequencing
Following long, multi-step procedures.
Retention
Forgetting previously mastered procedures quickly.
Dyscalculia
Unexpected difficulty in understanding maths, affecting number sense, quantities, and estimating.
"A specific learning difficulty in mathematics is a set of processing difficulties that affects the acquisition of arithmetic and other areas of mathematics."
Difficulty particularly in understanding and working with numbers.
Age-related difficulties with naming, ordering, comparing quantities, and place value.
Pronounced and persistent difficulty with numerical magnitude processing.
SpLD in Maths
Difficulties caused by other cognitive factors like language, working memory, or spatial skills.
- More common than dyscalculia
- Issues with word problems or algebra
- Using procedures without understanding
Dyscalculia
A severe, specific, and lasting difficulty primarily affecting number sense.
- Difficulty with basic quantity (14.99 vs 20)
- Counting excessively for small amounts
Impact on Daily Life
Need Clarity?
If you recognise these signs in yourself or your child, a professional assessment can provide the understanding and roadmap needed to move forward.