Abstract
The objective of this research is to shed light on the influential factors of core mathematical abilities. We explored the key cognitive strengths and weaknesses of two populations who experience learning difficulties in mathematics: children with developmental dyscalculia (DD) and children with specific language impairment (SLI). We tested 12 children with SLI, 12 participants with DD and 12 control children. We tested their IQ, mathematical and reading abilities, short-term and working memory, as well as number familiarity, symbolic and non-symbolic comparison. We found robust evidence for impaired visuo-spatial short-term and working memory in DD, and impaired verbal short-term memory in SLI. Children with SLI showed major deficits in counting skills. Children with DD and children with SLI had poor arithmetical skills, whereas children with SLI also showed poor mathematical reasoning skills. We discuss the influence of language and working memory on mathematical skills.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 28 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - Sept 2014 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | BPS Developmental Section Annual Conference - Duration: 1 Jan 2014 → … |
Conference
| Conference | BPS Developmental Section Annual Conference |
|---|---|
| Period | 1/01/14 → … |
Keywords
- mathematical ability
- dyscalculia
- specific language impairment
