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Concurrent predictors of mathematics achievement for 9-year-old children with Williams syndrome.

ABSTRACT: Research on mathematics achievement by children with Williams syndrome (WS) has been very limited. We describe the math achievement of 72 9-year-olds with WS, compare their math and reading achievement, and explore concurrent predictors of math achievement using the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test-III (WIAT-III) to measure achievement and the Differential Ability Scales-II (DAS-II) to measure cognitive abilities. For both Numerical Operations and Math Problem Solving, mean standard scores (SSs) were in the mild disability range with a full range from severe disability to average ability. Bayesian robust estimation indicated decisive evidence that average reading performance was higher than average math performance. Bayesian multiple linear regression models with informative priors accounted for 60% of the variance in Numerical Operations SS with decisive evidence supporting an effect of Working Memory SS and strong evidence for Nonverbal Reasoning SS and Spatial SS and 71% of the variance in Math Problem Solving SS with decisive evidence supporting effects of Working Memory and Nonverbal Reasoning SS, strong evidence for Verbal SS, and substantial evidence for Spatial SS. These predictors are consistent with those for typically developing individuals, supporting consideration of interventions that have been highly effective for children with math difficulties in the general population.

SUBMITTER: Guimaraes VN

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10827727 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Concurrent predictors of mathematics achievement for 9-year-old children with Williams syndrome.

Guimaraes Vitor N VN Mervis Carolyn B CB

Scientific reports 20240130 1

Research on mathematics achievement by children with Williams syndrome (WS) has been very limited. We describe the math achievement of 72 9-year-olds with WS, compare their math and reading achievement, and explore concurrent predictors of math achievement using the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test-III (WIAT-III) to measure achievement and the Differential Ability Scales-II (DAS-II) to measure cognitive abilities. For both Numerical Operations and Math Problem Solving, mean standard scores ( ...[more]

PMID: 38291096

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Project description:Individuals born very preterm (VPT; <32 weeks' gestational age) are at increased risk of impaired mathematics and word reading performance, as well as widespread white matter microstructural alterations compared with individuals born full term (FT; ≥37 weeks' gestational age). To date, the link between academic performance and white matter microstructure is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the associations between mathematics and reading performance with white matter microstructure in 114 VPT and 36 FT 13-year-old children. Additionally, we aimed to investigate whether the association of mathematics and reading performance with white matter microstructure in VPT children varied as a function of impairment. To do this, we used diffusion tensor imaging and advanced diffusion modelling techniques (Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging and the Spherical Mean Technique), combined with a whole-brain analysis approach (Tract-Based Spatial Statistics). Mathematics performance across VPT and FT groups was positively associated with white matter microstructural measurements of fractional anisotropy and neurite density, and negatively associated with radial and mean diffusivities in widespread, bilateral regions. Furthermore, VPT children with a mathematics impairment (>1 standard deviation below FT mean) had significantly reduced neurite density compared with VPT children without an impairment. Reading performance was not significantly associated with any of the white matter microstructure parameters. Additionally, the associations between white matter microstructure and mathematics and reading performance did not differ significantly between VPT and FT groups. Our findings suggest that alterations in white matter microstructure, and more specifically lower neurite density, are associated with poorer mathematics performance in 13-year-old VPT and FT children. More research is required to understand the association between reading performance and white matter microstructure in 13-year-old children.

Dataset Information

Concurrent predictors of mathematics achievement for 9-year-old children with Williams syndrome.

Publications

Concurrent predictors of mathematics achievement for 9-year-old children with Williams syndrome.

Similar Datasets

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