The goal of the Stanford Math Project is to investigate the neural bases of math learning disabilities and to increase understanding of brain structure and function in typically developing children and children with mathematical disabilities. We believe that by furthering knowledge of brain development in children with particular disorders, we will progress towards treatment approaches that maximize each individual’s personal and educational success.

The study uses a combination of brain imaging (fMRI, specifically) and neuropsychological measures to assess brain function. The neuropsychological testing session includes assessing skills such as learning, memory, and language. During the MRI scan, participants will respond to computer-based math tasks while the scanner takes pictures of their brain.

The study is longitudinal in nature, following the participants over a number of years. By focusing on the children’s performance in specific mathematics tasks over several time points, it is hoped that more can be understood about the variability and stability in math learning disabilities and the differences in the neural development of individuals with different mathematics abilities.

.Related Publications

Barnea-Goraly, N., Eliez, S., Menon, V., Bammer, R. & Reiss, A. L. Arithmetic ability and parietal alterations: a diffusion tensor imaging study in velocardiofacial syndrome. Brain Res Cogn Brain Res 25, 735-40 (2005).
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Eliez, S. et al. Functional brain imaging study of mathematical reasoning abilities in velocardiofacial syndrome (del22q11.2). Genet Med 3, 49-55. (2001).
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Kesler, S. R., Menon, V. & Reiss, A. L. Neuro-functional differences associated with arithmetic processing in Turner syndrome. Cereb Cortex 16, 849-56 (2006).
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Menon, V. et al. Functional optimization of arithmetic processing in perfect performers. Cognitive Brain Res. 9, 343-5 (2000).
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Menon, V., Mackenzie, K., Rivera, S. M. & Reiss, A. L. Prefrontal cortex involvement in processing incorrect arithmetic equations: Evidence from event-related fMRI. Hum Brain Mapp 16, 119-30 (2002).
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Menon, V., Rivera, S. M., White, C. D., Glover, G. & Reiss, A. L. Dissociating prefrontal and parietal cortex activation during arithmetic processing. Neuroimage 12, 357-65 (2000).
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Rivera, S. M., Menon, V., White, C. D., Glaser, B. & Reiss, A. L. Functional brain activation during arithmetic processing in females with fragile X Syndrome is related to FMR1 protein _expression. Hum Brain Mapp 16, 206-18 (2002).
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Rivera, S. M., Reiss, A. L., Eckert, M. A. & Menon, V. Developmental changes in mental arithmetic: evidence for increased functional specialization in the left inferior parietal cortex. Cereb Cortex 15, 1779-90 (2005).
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