Category Archives: Research

Early Detection and Intervention of Developmental Dyscalculia Using Serious Game-Based Digital Tools

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Numerous studies underscore the critical importance of early detection to enable effective intervention, highlighting the need for individualized, structured, and adaptive approaches. Digital tools, particularly those based on serious games, appear to offer a promising level of personalization. 

Digital solutions based on serious games present a promising avenue for the detection and remediation of mathematical impairments. Their integration with mobile technologies and internet connectivity offers the potential to increase public awareness of learning difficulties such as developmental dyscalculia (DD), leveraging the ubiquity and accessibility of mobile devices. Furthermore, the computational capabilities of modern platforms, combined with immersive technologies—such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)—and artificial intelligence (AI), enable the development of engaging, adaptive, and personalized interventions. These features can support both reliable screening and individualized remediation pathways tailored to each child’s cognitive profile.

Read the full study HERE

Learning with games

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Children with dyscalculia show less self-efficacy and more anxiety while engaging in mathematical tasks. In addition to difficulties in basic mathematical skills, such non-cognitive factors negatively impact their mathematics achievement. In contrast, game elements have been found to increase performance, motivation, and task engagement. Accordingly, this study evaluated the effects of game elements in mathematical tasks for children with dyscalculia, dyslexia, or both.

See the study HERE

Examining the level of anxiety in elementary school students with learning disabilities

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This research was conducted with the aim of investigating the level of anxiety in elementary school students with learning disabilities and identifying factors related to it. In this cross-sectional-analytical study, 250 students (150 with learning disabilities and 100 without disabilities) from primary schools in Tehran were selected by multi-stage cluster sampling method. Data were collected using the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS) and the Colorado Learning Disability Symptom Checklist (CLDQ). Data analysis was done using independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression. The results showed that students with learning disabilities have a higher level of anxiety than peers without disabilities (p < 0.001). Students with math disorder (dyscalculia) showed a higher level of anxiety than other types of learning disorders (p < 0.05). A positive and significant correlation was observed between age and anxiety level (r = 0.24, p < 0.01). Regression analysis showed that age, gender (being a girl), type of disorder (math) and severity of learning disorder are significant predictors of anxiety level (R² = 0.24, p < 0.001). This study highlights the importance of paying attention to mental health, especially anxiety, in students with learning disabilities. The findings emphasize the necessity of designing and implementing psychological interventions according to the type of disorder, age and gender of the students. Also, the need for a comprehensive approach in the management of learning disorders that also considers emotional aspects is identified.

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DYSCALCULIA is caused by cell wall biomechanics

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A recent study revealed the following in flytraps:

………………….The refined transcriptomic analysis uncovered widespread misregulation of cell wall related genes in DYSC, implicating altered cell wall plasticity in the sluggish mutant. Cell indentation studies by atomic force microscopy revealed a strictly localized and strikingly enhanced stiffening of the cell wall for DYSC that may hinder rapid trap closure and snap buckling. Together, these genomic, transcriptomic, and biophysical data identify cell wall elasticity as a key constraint on voltage and Ca2+ dependent trap kinetics. This finding documents the interrelationship between mechanosensing and Ca2+ signaling in the ultrafast capture organ of the Venus flytrap.

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Tool to identify strengths in students as young as preschool

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University of Kansas researchers have developed and validated the effectiveness of the Preschool Strengths Inventory, which can be key to helping parents, teachers, clinicians and practitioners capitalize on children’s strengths from an early age to improve their education and well-being.

Read all about it HERE