“Dyslexia is naturally commutative”: Insider accounts of dyslexia from research mathematicians

Abstract

Using neurodiversity as our theoretical framework, rather than a deficit or medical model, we analyze the narratives of five dyslexic research mathematicians to find common strengths and challenges for dyslexic thinkers at the highest level of mathematics. We report on 3 themes: 1) highly visual and intuitive ways of mathematical thinking, 2) pronounced issues with memorization of mathematical facts and procedures, and 3) resilience as a strength of dyslexia that matters in mathematics. We introduce the idea of Neurodiversity for Mathematics, a research agenda to better understand the strengths (as well as challenges) of neurodiverse individuals and to use that knowledge to design better mathematical learning experiences for all.