Dyslexia is seen primarily as a limitation in the ability to deal with symbolic material. As far as the symbols of mathematics are concerned, therefore, special teaching techniques are needed, just as they are for the teaching of reading and spelling. In Dyslexia and Mathematics the six contributors draw on many years' experience of teaching dyslexic children of all ages. There is a wealth of material about individual cases, and the necessary technicalities are always clearly explained. Two central themes are discussed: first, that dyslexics need to carry out the operations of adding, dividing, and so on, before being introduced to the symbolism; and second that, because of their difficulties with rote learning, they need to be shown the many regularities and patterns which can be found in the number system.

Tim Miles is Emeritus Professor of Psychology at the University College of North Wales, Bangor and Elaine Miles is Course Advisor on Teacher Training at the College's Dyslexia Unit