Preterm Births do not Increase the Risk of Math Learning Disorders, Scientists Say

Children who are born preterm are not at an increased risk of dyscalculia or math-based learning disorders, despite what previous research has shown. However, developmental psychologists say there is a need for more standardized diagnostic criteria to correctly label certain impairments.

Lead study author and developmental psychologist from Bochum, Dr. Julia Jakel, along with colleague Professor Dr. Dieter Woke, from the University of Warwick, in the United Kingdom, found that preterm children were no more likely to have dyscalculia than those born full-term, which researchers proved this by refuting specific scientific studies that involved children's IQs.

For the study, researchers had children solve complex tasks that helped to better assess specific mathematical deficiencies. For instance, children in Germany are required to undergo a number of tests like these in order to determine their learning abilities.

If their results fall below a specific cut off value in math, yet their general cognitive skills remain normal, they receive a diagnosis of "math learning disorder" or "dyscalculia," according to a news release. 

As preterm children frequently deal with cognitive issues, in general, these children often do not receive the proper diagnosis for dyscalculia.

Researchers argue that there needs to be a more internationally standardized criteria to allow diagnosing dyscalculia in children who show signs of mild cognitive impairments.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the online science magazine Rubin.