Developmental dyscalculia behavioral and attentional aspects: a research note

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Child psychology
• Behavioral science

Background:

• Developmental dyscalculia (DC) is a learning disability in mathematics.
• Behavioral characteristics associated with DC require further investigation.
• Understanding these behaviors can inform interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the behavioral characteristics of children with developmental dyscalculia (DC).
• To compare behavior problems in DC children to normal and psychiatrically referred children.
• To examine the relationship between attentional problems, anxiety, depression, dyslexia, and verbal IQ in DC.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) for behavioral assessment.
• Evaluated 140 children diagnosed with developmental dyscalculia.
• Compared behavioral data against normative and clinical groups.

Main Results:

• DC children showed more behavioral problems than typically developing children.
• DC children had significantly fewer problems than psychiatrically referred children.
• Attentional problems were significantly higher in DC children, irrespective of anxiety/depression levels.
• Clinical range attentional problems correlated with higher scores on all syndrome scales.
• Comorbid dyslexia and low verbal IQ in DC were associated with increased attentional and externalizing problems.

Conclusions:

• Developmental dyscalculia is associated with a distinct behavioral profile, notably attentional difficulties.
• Behavioral screening may be beneficial for children with DC.
• Co-occurring conditions like dyslexia and low verbal IQ exacerbate behavioral challenges in DC.