The Analysis of the correlation between working memory skills and specific learning disorders

Abstract

Working memory is a key construct of cognitive functioning, closely involved in school learning processes. Numerous studies have shown that a deficit in LM is a significant predictor of difficulties in reading, writing and calculation. This paper proposes a systematic review of the study by Poletti et al. (WISC-IV Intellectual Profiles in Italian Children with Specific Learning Disorder and Related Impairments in Reading, Written Expression, and Mathematics, 2016), with the aim of integrating and discussing the results in the light of data collected on a sample subjected to cognitive assessment and standardized tests of reading-writing and arithmetic. Method. A comparative analysis was conducted between the results reported by Poletti et al. and those obtained from a group of subjects evaluated with the WISC-IV and specific batteries for the measurement of academic ability. Attention was focused on the indices of MdL, processing speed and fluid intelligence, with particular reference to the cognitive profiles of children with developmental dyscalculia. Results. In line with the data of Poletti and collaborators, a significant discrepancy between the General Ability Index (IAG) and the Cognitive Competence Index (ICC) is also confirmed in the sample analyzed, with lower scores in the measures of MdL and processing speed. In addition, in subjects with developmental dyscalculia, these falls are associated with widespread difficulties also in terms of reasoning skills. Conclusions. The results strengthen the hypothesis that ML constitutes a crucial node for the understanding of the cognitive mechanisms underlying SLD. Evidence of cognitive profiles characterized by large discrepancies between indices suggests the need to consider IAG as the most reliable estimate of global intellectual competence in this clinical population. The clinical implications concern the diagnostic evaluation and the design of rehabilitation interventions aimed at enhancing working memory and processing speed.