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Mathematics abilities associated with adaptive functioning in preschool children born preterm

Leanne Tamm1,2, Kelly A McNally3, Mekibib Altaye1,2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.

Child Neuropsychology : a Journal on Normal and Abnormal Development in Childhood and Adolescence
|March 20, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Mathematical skills are linked to better adaptive functioning in very preterm (VPT) preschoolers. Early math support may improve daily life skills for VPT children.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatric Neuroscience
  • Early Childhood Education

Background:

  • Infants born very preterm (VPT) often experience mathematical deficits impacting academic success.
  • The relationship between mathematical skills and adaptive functioning in VPT children remains unexplored.
  • Mathematical abilities are crucial for broader life functioning beyond academics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between early mathematics skills and adaptive functioning in children born very preterm (VPT).
  • To determine if mathematical performance predicts adaptive behaviors in VPT preschoolers.
  • To identify specific domains of adaptive functioning linked to mathematical skills in VPT children.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study recruiting infants born at ≤31 weeks gestation (VPT) and full-term controls.
  • Assessment at 36-month corrected age using the Early Number Concepts subtest (mathematics) and the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System (adaptive functioning).
  • Statistical analysis controlling for age, sex, cognitive abilities, and caregiver education.

Main Results:

  • Mathematics performance was uniquely and positively associated with adaptive behavior in the VPT group only, after controlling for covariates.
  • This association was specifically linked to the Practical and Social composites of adaptive functioning.
  • Stronger mathematical understanding correlated with better functioning at home, in the community, and in social/play settings for VPT children.

Conclusions:

  • Early mathematical skills are significantly associated with adaptive functioning in preschool children born very preterm (VPT).
  • Mathematical abilities may be a crucial target for early intervention to enhance adaptive behaviors in VPT populations.
  • Findings suggest that supporting early numeracy could improve daily life skills and social integration for VPT children.

Keywords:
arithmeticmathneurodevelopmental outcomespremature infantspreschool

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