Dyslexia, Dyscalculia & Dyspraxia
With contributions from: Hollie Leach
The Three Ds: Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Dyspraxia
As tutors, we want all students to have the same opportunities to succeed - but when a student struggles with something, it can be difficult to know how best to support them.
Dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dyspraxia are three learning differences that can make school life more challenging for students. Understanding these conditions and making small adjustments to our tutoring sessions can help ensure that every student gets the support they need. Let’s get into it.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a language processing difference that affects reading, writing, and spelling. Around 10% of the UK population has some form of dyslexia, which means you’ll likely work with students who experience it.
A student with dyslexia might:
Struggle with reading fluency and comprehension
Confuse the order of letters in words
Have difficulty with spelling and writing
Find planning and organisation tricky
How can you help?
Creating a supportive and dyslexia-friendly learning environment is key.
Use clear fonts and larger spacing
When creating written materials, avoid fonts that are difficult to read (like fancy scripts). Instead, choose clear, sans-serif fonts (such as Arial or Calibri) and ensure that the text is spaced out to reduce visual clutter. You can also experiment with coloured overlays or backgrounds to help reduce visual stress, a common issue for students with dyslexia.Be patient with reading aloud
Some students with dyslexia may find reading aloud especially challenging. If a student struggles, avoid putting too much pressure on them. Offer alternative ways to engage with text, such as audiobooks, summaries, or discussion-based learning. This can help build their confidence while still promoting understanding of the material.Let them process before writing
Writing can be difficult for dyslexic students, as they may struggle with spelling and sentence structure. Allow them to talk through their ideas before they write them down. This verbal brainstorming can help them clarify their thoughts and reduce anxiety about getting the writing “right.”Encourage note-taking alternatives
Some students may find traditional note-taking difficult, so encourage alternative methods. Using mind maps or digital tools (like speech-to-text software) can help them organise information without the frustration of handwriting.
Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia affects a student’s ability to understand and work with numbers. It’s often compared to dyslexia, but instead of words, numbers don’t seem to ‘stick.’ Around 6% of people have dyscalculia.
A student with dyscalculia might:
Find it difficult to recognise numbers or patterns
Struggle with sequencing (e.g., remembering steps in a maths problem)
Have trouble with estimating or comparing values
Experience maths-related anxiety
How can you help?
Maths can be a stressful subject for students with dyscalculia, so reducing anxiety is essential.
Reduce maths anxiety
Many students with dyscalculia experience significant anxiety around maths, often due to previous struggles. Create a low-pressure environment by praising effort and progress rather than just focusing on correctness. This can help build their confidence and make maths feel less intimidating.Use hands-on learning
Visual and tactile learning experiences can make abstract maths concepts more concrete. Use counters, blocks, or even real-life examples (such as pizza slices to explain fractions) to make learning more accessible. The physical manipulation of objects can help students internalise concepts that may seem abstract in a traditional setting.Break down multi-step problems
Students with dyscalculia often struggle to remember long sequences of instructions. When working through multi-step problems, break each step down into manageable chunks and give them time to process each instruction before moving on. This can help them stay focused and reduce cognitive overload.Encourage number reference sheets
Rather than forcing students to memorise number facts, let them keep reference sheets like times tables grids or number lines handy. This can alleviate some of the pressure and help them access the information they need quickly.
Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia (or Developmental Coordination Disorder) affects movement, fine motor skills, and sometimes social confidence. Around 2-5% of people have dyspraxia, and they might struggle with writing, organisation, or even sitting still for long periods.
A student with dyspraxia might:
Struggle with fine motor skills (e.g., handwriting, using scissors)
Have difficulty with balance and spatial awareness
Find it hard to follow multi-step instructions
Experience challenges in social situations due to processing delays
How can you help?
Supporting students with dyspraxia is about breaking tasks into manageable steps and allowing extra time.
Give clear, step-by-step instructions
Students with dyspraxia may struggle with tasks that require multiple steps. Providing clear, concise instructions that break tasks down into smaller steps can help them stay organised and focused. For example, when explaining how to solve a problem, give one instruction at a time and check in to make sure they understand before moving on.Allow extra time
Students with dyspraxia often need more time to complete tasks that involve fine motor skills, such as writing, using a calculator, or even gathering materials. Be mindful of this in your sessions and plan for additional time to allow them to complete their work at their own pace.Encourage alternative ways to record work
Handwriting can be particularly challenging for students with dyspraxia, so offer alternative ways to record their thoughts. Typing on a computer or using speech-to-text tools can make writing less stressful and allow students to focus on the content rather than the mechanics of writing.Be mindful of sensory needs
Many students with dyspraxia have heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli. Noisy environments can be overwhelming, so try to create a calm, quiet space for learning if possible. Additionally, offering short movement breaks during longer sessions can help them refocus and reduce any physical discomfort.
A Challenge for You
In your next tutoring session, try one of these strategies:
If you're working with a student who struggles with reading or writing, let them try using a coloured overlay, a mind map, or a voice recording instead of traditional note-taking.
If you're supporting a student with maths, introduce a hands-on tool like a number line or counters to help visualise a concept.
If your student finds organisation difficult, work together to create a simple checklist for their session to help them stay on track.
Observe how they respond and be ready to adjust if needed - every student is different!