Last Update: 08/22/2006 Printer Friendly Printer Friendly   Email This Page Email This Page  

Mathematical Cognition and Math Disability Network

Child writing mathematical equations on chalkboardThe Network, which is funded through an inter-agency partnership between the NICHD Child Development and Behavior Branch and the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. Five grants were funded in fiscal year 2003 in the amount of $3.6 million. Network projects include studies of the neurobiological and genetic substrates of mathematical learning disabilities, a longitudinal analysis of deficits in number estimation competencies, studies of math learning disability subtypes, and classroom interventions for disabilities in mathematical problem solving. Subject populations include children with idiopathic math learning disabilities, co-morbid math learning disabilities and reading disabilities, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and several neurodevelopmental disorders (i.e., Turner, Williams, and Fragile X syndromes).

In addition to these grants, the Network was expanded to include four previously funded grants that focus on math learning disability research: a longitudinal study examining developmental changes in math learning disabilities; an investigation of information-processing deficits; math precursor skills in children at risk for developing math learning disabilities; and neuroanatomical features of numerical disorders in children with 22q11.2 deletion (velocardiofacial/DiGeorge) syndrome. This new research Network will permit cross-project communication and collaboration, thereby enhancing the convergence of methods, measures, and findings that can help build the knowledge base in this area and can lead to improvements in educational practice.