Time processing skills in individuals with math impairment and Developmental Dyscalculia

In recent years the literature has investigated the relationships between time processing (TP) abilities and mathematical/numerical skills, considering a possible overlap in cognitive systems aimed at processing different types of magnitudes. In this framework, the description of TP deficits in individuals with Developmental Dyscalculia (DD), that is the aim of the present work, could offer both theoretical contribution and practical implications. Specifically, this review addresses three complementary aspects: 1) theoretical accounts of the potential association between time and number processing, 2) methodological approaches to assess TP, and 3) empirical findings from the existing literature on TP and DD. The present systematic review was conducted across five databases and through citation searching. A total of 12 cross-sectional studies were included in this review. The evidence shows a general trend of underestimating temporal durations in populations with DD, but findings are inconsistent for sub-second time intervals, particularly regarding specific time tasks. Future research should standardize methodologies and clarify terminologies in TP research to improve the reliability and comparability of results. Furthermore, the individual variability in TP skills within the DD population suggests that personalized assessment approaches could be beneficial.