Web-based educational game for early screening and support dyscalculia

Dyscalculia, a specific learning disorder affecting numerical and arithmetic processing, remains underdiagnosed due to the limited accessibility and engagement of traditional screening tools. This study presents the development and validation of a web-based educational game designed for the early screening and support of dyscalculia in children aged 9–12 years. Leveraging gamification and adaptive learning principles, the platform integrates psychometrically validated tasks within an interactive environment to assess core deficits in number sense, arithmetic fluency, and working memory. Experimental evaluation was conducted, with 16 participants (8 experimental, 8 control) undergoing pre- and post-test assessments using the standardized TEDI-MATH diagnostic tool. Results demonstrated statistically significant improvements in the experimental group (t(14) = 16.72, p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 8.36), indicating the game's effectiveness as both a screening instrument and intervention tool. These findings contribute to the growing body of research on digital learning technologies for special educational needs, offering a scalable solution that bridges the gap between early detection and intervention