Reading, writing, and math do not come easily to every student. Dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia are three common specific learning disabilities that impact these areas in different ways, often together. Understanding them helps provide the right strategies for growth, confidence, and improved academic performance.
In this guide, you’ll learn the key differences between dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, the early signs to watch for, how they can affect a child’s reading skills, writing abilities, and math performance, and the advantages of early intervention.
It is important to note that dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia in Ontario are terms used interchangeably with specific learning disability in reading, writing, or math.
What Is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia affects reading skills, including decoding abilities, reading comprehension, and spelling. Children with developmental dyslexia may struggle to recognize and recall sight words or process language efficiently. These challenges stem from how the brain processes written words.
Common symptoms include confusing capital and lowercase letters, difficulty with phonological processing, or persistent reading problems. When children receive early, multisensory support, they can develop stronger reading and language skills while building confidence in their learning, helping them to reach appropriate reading levels.
What Is Dysgraphia?
Developmental dysgraphia affects the physical act of writing and the ability to express thoughts in written form. Children who have dysgraphia may have poor handwriting, inconsistent letter formation, uneven word spacing, or difficulty writing in a straight line during writing assignments, making writing tasks tiring and frustrating, and resulting in poor spelling.
Support often includes occupational therapy, as occupational therapists can assist with spotting signs of dysgraphia. Other supports include pencil grips, graphic organizers, and targeted writing instruction to improve writing abilities, manage writing difficulties, and reduce low self-esteem throughout the writing process.
What Is Dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia affects a child’s understanding of numbers and math concepts. Children may struggle to recall math facts, follow steps in calculations, or see how numbers relate, making even simple math confusing.
Through structured support and creative approaches, children can discover alternative ways to understand math, improve their problem-solving skills, and feel less frustrated in the classroom.
The Overlap Between Learning Differences
Many children don’t experience just one learning challenge. Dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia often overlap with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Attention Deficit Disorder (Non-Hyperactive), or other language disorders, making an official diagnosis more complex.
For example, a child might:
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Struggle to read grade-level texts because of dyslexia, while also producing illegible handwriting linked to dysgraphia.
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Have trouble completing writing assignments accurately and recalling basic math facts due to dyscalculia.
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Experience other learning disabilities that influence written work, spelling skills, number skills, and spelling abilities, mimicking dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia.
Understanding these interactions allows families and the child’s school to provide targeted support, including extra time on writing assignments, assistive technology, additional prompting, and modifications to the curriculum, amongst other recommendations.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Quickly recognizing the signs of dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia can prevent frustration and low self-esteem. Timely support helps students build coping strategies, strengthen cognitive skills, and make steady progress in their learning.
The International Dyslexia Association emphasizes that identifying specific learning disorders early and providing explicit instruction and resources helps children thrive academically and emotionally.
Creating Pathways to Success
Every student learns in their own way. By understanding how your child’s brain processes information, Edcommodate helps families uncover the root of learning differences and find the right supports within the school system. Our goal is to give every learner the chance to grow, achieve, and feel proud of their progress.
Ready to discover how a psychoeducational assessment can support your child’s journey? Inquire about an assessment today.