Is it dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia or dysgraphia? Here is a simple guide to the differences between them, the signs of each, and what to do if you think one fits your child.
Here is a simple explanation of each of these learning differences:
- Dyslexia affects reading, spelling and processing information
- Dyspraxia affects movement and coordination
- Dysgraphia affects handwriting and getting thoughts onto paper
- Dyscalculia affects understanding numbers and maths
They can look alike, and a child can have more than one. Learn more about the research in “Neurodiversity and co-occurring differences” from the British Dyslexia Association.
Free 10-minute course
Help a child understand their dyslexia
Explain dyslexia simply and positively, in 3 short activities. 10 minutes a day, with free printable worksheets.
Try it today: talk about it
- Pick a calm moment (2 minutes). Ask your child what they already know about dyslexia or the word that worries them.
- Explain it simply (5 minutes). Use one of the sentences above, in your own words. Talk about what their brain is great at, too.
- Answer their questions (3 minutes). Ask if they have any questions, and answer them honestly.
Want an easy way to explain the differences to a child?
The Dys-what-ia? card explains these learning differences with child-friendly examples. It has ready-made steps for you on the front and a picture activity for your child on the back, all in one place. It’s one of 56 ten-minute activities in the Mooki Cards deck.
Instant download · use on a phone or tablet, or print and fill in
Different types of dyslexia
Learn how the Dyslexic Mum struggled to understand the different types of dyslexia:
“When I first started to notice that my child had the signs of dyslexia, I spoke to other parents. They would say, ‘that sounds like my sister, she has dyspraxia’. Or ‘have you thought maybe she has dysgraphia?’. This left me feeling overwhelmed and confused.
I needed easy-to-understand examples showing the differences between dyslexia and other learning difficulties. So I made the Dys-what-ia? card to help myself and others.”
Watch the video ‘Types of dyslexia’ below. The Dyslexic Mum explains how dyslexia differs from other, similar learning differences.
Dyslexia vs dyspraxia vs dysgraphia vs dyscalculia
- Dyslexia – reading, spelling, memory and processing. Your child may mix up letters, spell the same word in different ways, or read slowly.
- Dyspraxia – movement and coordination. Your child may seem clumsy, struggle with buttons and shoelaces, or find PE hard.
- Dysgraphia – handwriting. Your child’s writing may be messy, slow or painful, with letters that are badly formed.
- Dyscalculia – numbers and maths. Your child may count on their fingers for a long time or struggle with simple sums.
Can a child have dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia?
Yes, a child can have dyslexia along with dysgraphia, dyscalculia or dyspraxia.
A child may have just one, or a mix, of these learning differences. The British Dyslexia Association explains that it is common for them to overlap. Dyslexia also often comes with ADHD. Studies suggest that around 20%–40% of dyslexic children also have ADHD.
Difference between dyslexia and learning difficulties
Dyspraxia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia are all learning differences similar to dyslexia.
Children with dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia can all struggle to:
- process information
- learn new things
- interact with the world around them
None of them is a sign of low intelligence. With the right support, children with these learning disabilities can thrive.
In the US, children may get help at school through an IEP or a 504 plan. In the UK, these differences can count as a disability under the Equality Act 2010, so schools must make reasonable adjustments.
Dyspraxia: what is it?
Dyspraxia mainly affects a child’s movement and coordination. For example, threading beads onto a string or catching a ball. In the US, it is often called developmental coordination disorder (DCD).
Dyspraxia can affect:
- body movements
- small movements, like using scissors
- organisation
- concentration
- communication
Dysgraphia: what is it?
Dysgraphia mainly affects a child’s handwriting. For example, forming letters correctly when writing.
Dysgraphia can affect:
- gripping pens or pencils
- forming letters and numbers
- spelling
- grammar
- writing speed
Dyscalculia: what is it?
Dyscalculia mainly affects a child’s maths and number skills. For example, adding and subtracting numbers easily.
Dyscalculia can affect a child’s ability to:
- recognise numbers
- do basic sums
- learn times tables
- tell the time on an analogue clock
- understand shapes and space
- get organised
Read more: what is dyscalculia?, dyscalculia symptoms and dyscalculia tests for kids.
Does your child find numbers hard?
The Mooki Cards: Dyscalculia deck has ten-minute number activities for you and your child, with ready-made steps on the front and a picture activity on the back.
Instant download · use on a phone or tablet, or print and fill in at home or school
Could it be something more?
If your child’s struggles don’t quite fit any of these, it may be worth looking at other needs:
- trouble focusing, sitting still or finishing work can be a sign of ADHD: read about the 3 types of ADHD
- trouble understanding or using spoken words can be a speech and language need: read about speech, language and communication needs
Talk to your child’s teacher or doctor if you are worried. They can help you work out what’s going on.
Helpful articles
- Signs of dyslexia in 5 to 10 year olds
- Spot the signs of dyslexia in your child’s writing
- What is neurodiversity? (British Dyslexia Association)
- What is dysgraphia? (Healthline)
The bottom line
Dyslexia affects reading and spelling, dyspraxia affects movement, dysgraphia affects handwriting and dyscalculia affects numbers. They often overlap, and none of them is a sign of low intelligence. To explain them to your child in a fun way, the Mooki Cards deck has 56 ten-minute activities, including the Dys-what-ia? card.
