Working memory impairments in children with specific arithmetic learning difficulties

Working memory impairments in children with difficulties in arithmetic have previously been investigated using questionable selection techniques and c ontrol groups, leading to problems concluding where deficits may occur. The present study attempted to overcome these criticisms by assessing 9-year-o ld children with difficulties specific to arithmetic, as indicated by norma l reading, and comparing them with both age-matched and ability-matched con trols. A battery of 10 tasks was used to assess different aspects of workin g memory, including subtypes of executive function. Relative to age-matched controls, children with poor arithmetic had normal phonological working me mory but were impaired on spatial working memory and some aspects of execut ive processing. Compared to ability-matched controls, they were impaired on ly on one task designed to assess executive processes for holding and manip ulating information in long-term memory. These deficits in executive and sp atial aspects of working memory seem likely to be important factors in poor arithmetical attainment (C) 1999 Academic Press.