Numerical skills in children with Down syndrome. Can they be improved?

• Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) show impairments in math.
• The impact of a numerical skills training on individuals with DS was examined.
• The training program was built considering DS cognitive profile.
• The training was effective in improving numerical skills in individuals with DS.
• Few transfer effects were found.

The present study aims to explore the impact of a numerical skills training program on the basic mathematical skills and logical thinking in children with Down syndrome (DS). The training program was built specifically for children with DS, bearing the strengths and weaknesses of their particular cognitive profile in mind. Two groups of children with DS took part in the study. All children were tested before and after the training on measures of numerical skills and logical thinking. One group of 27 children was trained in numerical skills twice a week for 2 months, for about 30 min per session. A control group of 9 children was not involved in any training session. After training, children in the intervention group performed better in numerical tests, while those in the control group did not. These results suggest that our training program is both feasible and effective for children with Down syndrome.