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Effects of Perinatal Stroke on Executive Functioning and Mathematics Performance in Children
Eliza Li1, Lisa Smithson2, Muhammad Khan1
13158University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Insights
Children with perinatal stroke show lower executive function, math, and visuospatial skills. Difficulties with inhibitory control may impact math performance in this population.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatric Neurology
Background:
- Perinatal stroke impacts children's neurodevelopment.
- Executive functioning, math, and visuospatial skills are crucial for development but underexplored in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate executive functioning, math performance, and visuospatial processing in children with perinatal stroke.
- To identify potential correlations between these skills and demographic factors.
Main Methods:
- 18 children (6-16 years) with perinatal stroke and caregivers participated.
- Standardized tests assessed executive function, visuospatial skills, IQ, and math achievement.
- Performance was compared to normative data.
Main Results:
- Children with perinatal stroke performed significantly lower on executive function, IQ, math, and visuospatial tests compared to norms.
- Poorer inhibitory control correlated with worse math performance.
- Older age at testing improved visuospatial ability; females outperformed males in inhibitory control.
Conclusions:
- Children with perinatal stroke exhibit diverse neuropsychological impairments.
- Executive function deficits, particularly in inhibition, may underlie math difficulties.
Abstract:
The goal of this study was to examine executive functioning, math performance, and visuospatial processing skills of children with perinatal stroke, which have not been well explored in this population. Participants included 18 children with perinatal stroke (aged 6-16 years old) and their primary caregiver. Each child completed standardized tests of executive function and visuospatial processing skills, Intelligence Quotient (IQ), and math achievement. Performance on executive function, IQ, math, and visuospatial processing tests was significantly lower in children with perinatal stroke when compared to normative means. Poorer inhibitory control was associated with worse math performance. Increased age at testing was associated with better performance on visuospatial ability (using standardized scores), and females performed better than males on a test of inhibitory control. Children with perinatal stroke displayed a range of neuropsychological impairments, and difficulties with executive function (inhibition) may contribute to math difficulties in this population.
