Parent-based training of basic number skills in children with Down syndrome using an adaptive computer game

Area of Science:

• Cognitive development
• Special education
• Assistive technology

Background:

• Numeracy is a significant challenge for children with Down syndrome (DS).
• The Number Race, an adaptive computer game, has shown promise in improving basic math skills in children with DS within clinical settings.
• This study explores the game's efficacy when delivered in a home environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of The Number Race when parents deliver the training at home.
• To compare the outcomes of home-based training with expert-led clinical training.
• To assess the long-term retention of numeracy skills.

Main Methods:

• Children with Down syndrome (DS) participated in a ten-week training program, with two sessions per week.
• One group received training from an expert (EG), while the other group was trained by parents at home with remote supervision (PG).
• Numerical skills were assessed before training, after training, and at a three-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in overall numeracy skills.
• The expert-led group (EG) showed additional gains in mental calculation abilities.
• Skill improvements were sustained three months post-training for both groups.

Conclusions:

• The Number Race is an effective tool for enhancing numeracy in children with Down syndrome.
• The game's efficacy extends to a home-based setting when parents are involved and supervised.
• This approach offers a scalable and accessible method for supporting mathematical development in children with DS.