Dysorthographia or dyscalculia

Dysorthographia affects spelling, dyscalculia affects numbers and calculation. Two quite different disorders, but they can coexist, and both are managed by the speech and language therapist. Here is what sets them apart and what links them. Each disorder has its own signs and its own remedial training.

Dysorthographia

Dysorthographia is a learning disorder affecting spelling. The child finds it hard to write words correctly and to apply agreement rules. Their difficulties concern words and the rules of the language.

It concerns written language. The child may otherwise be very comfortable with numbers.

See what is dysorthographia. The speech and language assessment of written language is used to diagnose it.

Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia is a learning disorder affecting numbers and calculation. The child finds it hard to understand quantities, to memorise times tables, to carry out written calculations. These difficulties do not come from a lack of effort or intelligence.

The child may also struggle to read the time, handle money or estimate quantities. These difficulties can affect everyday life, well beyond school.

It is also diagnosed and treated by the speech and language therapist. The assessment precisely evaluates numerical skills.

How to tell them apart

The two disorders do not affect the same area: one affects words, the other numbers. A child can be very good at maths and dysorthographic, or the reverse. Profiles vary widely from one child to another.

The speech and language assessment makes it possible to evaluate written language and mathematical skills separately. The results show whether one or both disorders are present.

See the speech and language assessment. The report details the difficulties in each area.

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When spelling gets in the way of maths

A dysorthographic child may also struggle with maths without being dyscalculic. Word problems require reading and understanding the instructions. A misunderstood instruction can lead to a wrong answer, even when the calculation is mastered.

Writing numbers in words, writing up an answer, or understanding mathematical vocabulary can also cause problems. These written-language difficulties can be offset by having the instructions read aloud.

In this case, it is not mathematical reasoning that is affected, but the written element. Distinguishing the two origins helps to adapt the support.

When both coexist

Dysorthographia and dyscalculia can coexist in the same child. The school difficulties are then broader. The two disorders can then reinforce each other.

A full assessment makes it possible to identify both disorders clearly and to adapt the treatment. The support is tailored to the needs of each area.

See associated disorders. A comprehensive approach is often needed.

Treatment

The speech and language therapist can treat both disorders, working on written language and mathematical cognition. Sessions may take place together or separately.

Sessions are tailored to the child’s profile. Goals change as progress is made.

See remedial training. Coordination with the school is important.

Adjustments

For dyscalculia, specific adjustments are available: a calculator, times tables to hand, extra time. These adjustments allow the child to show their reasoning skills.

The PAP can bring together the adjustments for both disorders. The PAP can be reviewed each year.

See the PAP. Regular dialogue with teachers makes them easier to put in place.

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Questions that keep coming up

What is the difference between dysorthographia and dyscalculia ?

Dysorthographia affects spelling, dyscalculia affects numbers and calculation. These are two different disorders, both managed by the speech and language therapist.