MathMIND Webinar

Supporting Learning with Numbers: Highlights from Our Recent MathMIND Webinar

We were delighted to welcome families and professionals to our recent MathMIND webinar, which explored new insights into how children and young people with Fragile X Syndrome experience and learn mathematical concepts.

Led by Gaia Scerif, Professor of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience from the MathMIND project The session was full of fascinating research, practical ideas, and opportunities to ask questions.

The team has been working closely with families across the UK to understand the unique strengths and challenges faced by children with Fragile X and other neurodevelopmental conditions when it comes to learning maths.

What We Learned

🔢 Maths is more than numbers – The webinar reminded us that mathematical understanding isn’t just about counting or sums. Skills like pattern recognition, estimation, sequencing, and working memory all play a role and many of these are areas where children with Fragile X may need extra support.

🧠 Understanding the brain helps tailor support – The MathMIND project looks at how different areas of the brain are involved in maths learning. Knowing this can help educators and parents offer the right support at the right time.

📚 Practical classroom strategies – The webinar offered simple and effective ways to support maths learning, such as:

• Using real-life examples and hands-on materials

• Building on visual strengths with diagrams and number lines

• Allowing extra time for processing

• Reducing pressure and anxiety in maths tasks

Throughout the webinar, it was clear how vital the voices of families are in shaping research and making it truly useful in everyday life. The MathMIND team continues to work in partnership with parents and carers to ensure their work reflects real-world experiences.

What’s Next?

We’re thrilled that families in the Fragile X community are helping to shape the next steps of the MathMIND project. If you’d like to be involved in future research or attend upcoming events, keep an eye on our newsletter and website for updates.

A huge thank you to Gaia and the team for such an engaging and informative session and to all of you who attended and shared your experiences and questions.

If you missed the webinar, please see recording below and please do get in touch at info@fragilex.org.uk if you would like any further information.