Developmental Dyscalculia

Behavioural Characteristics, Neural Correlates, and Intervention

The present projects represents the first prospective longitudinal follow-up study of the natural and post-treatment course of developmental dyscalculia using neuropsychological tests and brain imaging. Developmental dyscalculia is a learning disability affecting specifically number processing and calculation. In a former study, we developed a training program which aimed to enhance spatial representations of numbers in children with developmental dyscalculia. The understanding that numbers can be seen along a virtual number line, also called “mental number line”, reflects an essential developmental step and facilitates the acquisition of higher mathematical skills.

In the present follow-up study we investigate the prospective long-term course of developmental dyscalculia by examining all children, who have participated in the former project (with and without training), 3 years later.

A second aim is to analyse new aspects, such as spatial characteristics of the mental number line in children with and without dyscalculia. Moreover, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) that allow us to investigate possible white matter microstructural deficiencies in children with developmental dyscalculia will be analysed.

Third, based on positive results of the outcome of the training study and the high demand of parents of affected children, therapists, teachers and other scientists we feel beholden to bring the computer training into a form that it can be made available to public.

Funding Source

NOMIS-Foundation

Contacts

Dr. sc. nat. Karin Kucian
karin.kucian kispi.uzh.ch

Prof. Dr. med. Dipl. Päd. Michael von Aster
m.aster drk-kliniken-westend.de

Prof. Dr. Ernst Martin
ernst.martin kispi.uzh.c

Collaborations

Prof. Dr. Susanne Walitza, Center for Child- and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Switzerland

Markus Gälli, Methods in Action GmbH, Wollerau, Switzerland

Prof. Dr. Lutz Jäncke & Dr. Jürgen Hänggi, Division Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich, Switzerland

Project duration

April 2010 – Dec 2011

Publications