Dyslexia versus dyscalculia
Dyslexia is difficulty with words. Like all words that start with dys, it refers to a problem, deficiency, or lack. Lexia has to do with words and language. Children with dyslexia have trouble processing words on paper, resulting in poor word recognition, low reading fluency, insufficient reading comprehension, trouble spelling, and poor writing skills. In addition, many kids with dyslexia suffer from low self-esteem.
Dyscalculia refers to a wide range of persistent and extreme difficulties in math, including weaknesses in understanding the meaning of numbers and difficulty applying mathematical principles to solve problems. Dyscalculia differs from the ordinary experience of “being bad at math.” For example, many students may find trigonometry difficult. Children with dyscalculia, however, may be unable to solve simple problems such as 7+2 or 5×3.
Research suggests that dyscalculia has the exact prevalence of dyslexia (about 6–8% of children), although it is far less widely recognized by parents and educators (Shalev, 2007; Ardila & Rosselli, 2002).
Dyslexia and dyscalculia are best thought of as a continuum, not a distinct category, and there are no clear cut-off points. Like hypertension, these learning disorders can vary in severity. The terms mild, moderate, and severe are commonly used to describe the degree.
Early intervention is essential to minimize the impact dyslexia and dyscalculia can have on a child.
Meet Sue, dyslexia and dyscalculia tutor
After training and working as a psychometrist (someone who administers and scores neuropsychological, psychological, personality, and academic tests), Sue became employed by a reading and learning institution. During this time, Sue was instrumental in training over 3,000 teachers and tutors, providing them with the foundational and practical understanding to facilitate cognitive development among children who struggle to read and write.
Sue next conceptualized the Edublox teaching and learning methods that have helped thousands of children struggling academically to read, learn, and achieve. In 2007, she opened the first Edublox reading, math, and learning clinic, where children could grow intellectually, overcome their learning challenges, and succeed academically. There are now 30 Edublox clinics internationally.
Sue extended Edublox’s services to online tutoring in February 2017 when she was approached by a parent whose severely dyslexic and dyscalculic daughter had made little progress despite three years of intensive OG tutoring. Maddie’s Diary was born, and many other students have since benefited from Edublox’s online tutoring.
Sue’s proudest moments are when she sees a child who had severe learning difficulties come top of their class after one or two years at Edublox. She always takes time to collect the ‘hero’ stories of learners whose self-esteem is lifted as their marks improve.
When not teaching, Sue contributes to the Edublox website with articles on learning and learning disabilities.
Articles by Sue
What clients say
This has been monumental in her confidence and growth in the area of math. She has gone from consistently failing and constant discouragement to straight A’s and feeling proud of herself. I appreciate your investment in her over this last year. It has changed the trajectory of her education. – April
I can’t tell you what a good feeling this is as well and a weight off our shoulders that Kenny has come so far. The days of fighting to do homework and dreading homework times are over. There are no more tears, and there is more time to relax. Kenny has learned that reading can be enjoyed and how to enjoy it. He loves to read now and is reading books I never thought he would be able to master. He is reading now on an above grade level average and scored above grade level on his State tests. This is a wonderful thing. – Donna
Our tutor is extremely professional and personable. She relates in a gentle and insightful manner with my child in a way no one has been able to before. My child had extreme math anxiety and now often leaves a session stating “I love math!” She was able to make gains in a few months that multiple tutors and myself had worked on for years without any positive movement. The incremental approach has snowballed into a lovely movement of learning! More than pleased. – Robyn
Sue has a great talent for assessing how Veronica is on a particular day and how to get the best from her. She is flexible to change the session accordingly. – Dennis
Thank you for always taking such good care of us and treating us so well. We definitely recommend Edublox to anyone who would like to give their child(ren) a better chance scholastically. – Lee-Anne and Byran
