Effects of Extreme Prematurity on Numerical Skills and Executive Function in Kindergarten Children: An Application of Partially Ordered Classification Modeling.
Although mathematics disabilities (MD) are common in extremely preterm/extremely low birth weight (EPT/ELBW) children, little is known about the nature of these problems. In this study partially ordered set (POSET) models were applied to classify 140 EPT/ELBW kindergarten children (gestational age <28 weeks and/or birth weight <1000 g) and 110 normal birth weight (NBW) controls into profiles of numerical and cognitive skills. Models based on five numerical skills and five executive function and processing speed skills provided a good fit to performance data. The EPT/ELBW group had poorer skills in all areas than NBW controls but the models also revealed substantial individual variability in skill profiles. Weaknesses in executive function were associated with poorer mastery of numerical skills. The findings illustrate the applicability of POSET models to research on MD and suggest distinct types of early numerical deficits in EPT/ELBW children that are related to their impairments in executive function.
Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University and the Neurological Institute, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106 USA.; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Case Western Reserve University, 2109 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44106 USA.
Curtis
C
Tatsuoka
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 2109 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44106 USA.
Bridget
B
McGowan
Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University and the Neurological Institute, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106 USA.
Tomoko
T
Yamada
Administration Building 512, P.O. Box 210066, University of Arizona, Tuscon, Arizona 85721-0066 USA.
Kimberly Andrews
KA
Espy
Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals Case Medical Center, 11000 Cedar Road, 4 Floor, Cleveland, Ohio 44106 USA.
Nori
N
Minich
Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals Case Medical Center, 11000 Cedar Road, 4 Floor, Cleveland, Ohio 44106 USA.
H Gerry
HG
Taylor
early school age outcomes; executive function; mathematics disabilities; partially ordered classification modeling; preterm birth