A systematic review of mathematics interventions for primary students with intellectual disabilities

Schnepel, Susanne; Aunio, Pirjo

Abstract

This systematic review investigates the characteristics of effective mathematics interventions for students with intellectual disabilities (ID) age 5 to 12, focusing on early numeracy, arithmetic, and arithmetical problem solving skills. Twenty studies from 2008–2020 were reviewed: 17 had a single-subject design and three a group-comparison design. The studies included a total of 135 students with ID. Consistent with previous studies, the analysis showed that interventions with systematic and explicit instruction with feedback and the use of manipulatives are effective instructional approaches and strategies for students with ID. This study reveals that effective interventions are well-structured, high intensity learning sequences adapted to the students’ achievement level. The intensity of an intervention requires careful consideration of the number of intervention sessions per week and their duration. Further studies should investigate which instructional strategy is most effective for each type of skill and the optimum intensity of interventions.