The determinants of arithmetic skills in young children: some observations

The cause or causes of arithmetic difficulties in young children are manifold. The condition has its origins in a set of complex disorders and may be due to genetic factors, developmental delays, experiential limitations, language problems, and perceptual, motor, memory and other cognitive weaknesses. Other factors which may cause the disorder are inappropriate and ineffectual instructional practices. Anxiety and unfavourable attitudes towards the subject may influence mastery of arithmetic attainment in young children.