What does research say about working memory and math skills? 740017 The research suggests that basic mathematical skills rely heavily on domain-general cognitive processes, such as working memory (WM) and processing speed (Formosa et al., 2018; Fuchs et al., 2012; Hornung et al., 2014). The different domains associated with WM have been linked with parts related to math cognition and with early math overall. WM deficits have been connected to difficulties in the automatization of the conventional counting sequence, counting, and the acquisition of Arabic numerals (Bull et al., 2008). Both Alloway and Passolunghi (2011) and Gullick and Temple (2011) concluded that WM has a direct influence on mathematical performance in 5-year-old children, and credited this to how it works in retrieving math facts and manipulating verbal and visual information. A regression analysis by Formosa et al. (2018) showed that verbal WM, visuospatial WM, and processing speed had a significant impact on math cognition. In the study Mathematical Cognition, Working Memory, and Processing Speed in Children, it was found that verbal WM, visuospatial WM and processing speed directly influenced math cognition (Formosa et al., 2018). Some studies have discovered that verbal WM capacity is related to the amount of mathematical proficiency, such as how it can sustain active the counting sequence and partial results while counting (Bull & Scerif, 2001; Camos et al., 2018) or how it impacts the recovery and procurement of arithmetic facts (Alloway et al., 2005; DeStefano & LeFevre, 2004; Geary, 2012; Kaufmann, 2002). Where to start At LearningRx, we know that strong cognitive skills are foundational for reading success. That is why we recommend that when parents first contact us about their struggling reader, they take our free brain quiz and schedule our cognitive skills assessment. This gives us a thorough idea of which cognitive skills are strong and which need strengthening and are contributing to the current reading challenges, a launching point from which we can propose a customized brain training program that targets their child’s specific needs. What you can do to help your struggling child? We have more than three decades of experience helping children and adults who struggle with reading and/or dyslexia and we have watched our students achieve huge gains! Our clients consistently improve their auditory processing, long-term memory, and broad attention skills, all of which make reading easier. In fact, in a study we performed with 2,112 of our clients who were struggling with reading and dyslexia, auditory processing skills improved an average of 5.3 years and overall cognitive skills performance improved over 3.6 years—a testament to the brain’s ability to learn and grow. If your child is struggling with reading at any age or in any grade, cognitive skills training at LearningRx could help! Contact us to learn more!