Adult prematures have a higher risk of math problems.
Early births are relatively specific at academic level (e.g. in language and arithmetic) less strong than those born on time. This is particularly evident in language and calculation problems. (Litt, J. (2005))
Mathematics consists of various mental processes consisting of domain specific skills and general functions. The domain specific skills ensures the understanding of numerical properties, understanding facts and carrying out calculations. The general functions provide the working memory, attention, decision making and that someone can perform consecutive mental tasks.
In the brain itself there are internal networks (intrinsic brain networks) that organize the brain on a large scale. In the case of prematures they are consistently different even at adult age. These networks are also called functional networks because their structure in the space of the brain overlaps with the networks that are usually active in carrying out tasks. Early birth influences these functional networks, which means that the networks work together differently. However, the brain can later partially adapt and thus compensate so that it can still keep the attention to the task and perform it.
In a study, they examined premature infants at the age of 5, 8 and 26 by an IQ test and an MRI scan. It has been investigated whether there is an association between the computing skills and whether the mental skills and internal functional networks of the brain have changed due to early birth in adults. This study has shown that both time-born and premature computing skills can predict mental outcomes and the organisation of the internal functional networks of the brain. (Büml, J.G. (2016))
Which parts of the brain do you speak to when calculating?
According to research (Taylor, G. (2009), there are several parts of the brain that contribute in their unique way to mathematics:
- An area of the intraparietal sulcus (integrating and coordinating functions such as spatial insight and attention to space)
- An area in the left gyrus angler (responsible for verbal processing of numbers. Symbols are recognized as letters and words)
- The posterior superior part of the parietal system (responsible for focusing attention on a specific point in a room)
- Frontal brain areas are also selectively activated in computing tasks
What problems do prematures experience in calculating?
The problems of arithmetic experienced by many prematures are not yet fully understood. It may be a result of a compromised development of the brain. In addition, a change in the organization of the brain can also be a possible cause of calculation problems.
It is assumed that the calculation problems in prematures are caused by disturbances in the domain specific skills and in general functions.
In dyscalculie (difficulty with calculation) there is mainly a disturbance in the domain specific skills. (Büml, J.G. (2016))
In the field of mathematics, the problems are mainly present when adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. There are also problems in visual spatial skills such as estimating space and distances.
Children with calculation problems may be more susceptible to problems with estimation of size, geometry, money or the concept of time. This would have major consequences for the long-term functioning of premature adults. There's been little research on this. However, we do hear stories about adult prematures experiencing such problems.
What are the consequences of calculation problems?
Difficulty with calculation is often accompanied by specific weakness in certain cognitive areas. It may in particular affect the following areas:
- Visual spatial
- The ability to use sensory information (hear, see, etc.) to control movements
- Executive functions such as troubleshooting.
- Global mental processing (understand general structure of a situation. First the details)
- Motor skills and coordination
- naming what's on a picture
- Perceptual planning (using observation to plan actions or behavior) (for example responding to a ball coming towards you)
- Verbal memory (temporarily storing verbal information such as words and numbers such as instruction or a telephone number)
Are there things that affect math?
There are many things that affect the computing skills of prematures:
- Intraventricular bleeding (bleeds in the brain chambers)
- Chronic pulmonary disorders (with ventilation for at least 36 weeks at the corrected age)
- Postnatal treatment with steroids
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) (infection and inflammation of the intestines)
- Long hospitalization as a baby
- Head circumference (a narrower head circumference is associated with low computing)
- Retinopathy due to early birth (an eye disorder common to prematures)
There have even been several associations of worse motor skills in prematures (<34 weeks) at the age of 4 or 6 and a negative influence on calculation skills at the age of 8 or 12. (Botting et al (1998)) (Mcgrath (2003))
Birth weight also plays a role. There is a relationship between birth weight where the scores of a calculation test between 8 and 12-16 years of age showed a greater decrease with a birth weight of <750 grams. (Siagal et al (2000))
In short, the early identification of problems of calculation is therefore crucial. In order to reduce the long-term effects of computing problems, it is important to identify it in time and to improve the computing skills.
Bibliography:
- Litt, J., Taylor, H.G., Klein, N., Hack, M. (2005) Learning disabilities in children with very low birthweight: prevalence, neuropsychological correlations, and educational interventions.
- Botting, N., Powls, A., Cooke, R.W., Marlow, N. (1998) Cognitive and educational outcome of very-low-birthweight children in early adolescence.
- Sullivan, M.C., McGrath, M.M. (2003) Perinatal morbidity, mild engine delay, and later school out comes.
- Saigal, S., Hoult, L.A., Strainer, D.L., Stoskopf, B.L., Rosenbaum, P.L. (2000) School differences at adolescence in a regional cohort of children who were extremely low birthweight.
- Taylor, H.G., Espy, K.A., Anderson, P.J. (2009) Mathematics formalities in children with very low birth weight or very preterm birth.
- Bäuml, J.G., Meng, C., Daamen, M., Baumann, N., Busch, B., Bartmann, P., Wolke, D., Boecker, H., Wohlschläger, A., Sorg, C., Jaekel, J. (2016) The association of children's mathematical abilities with both adult .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
