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Numerical inversion is the ability to understand that addition is the opposite of subtraction and vice versa. Three-term arithmetic problems can be solved without calculation using this conceptual shortcut. To verify that this principle is used, inverse problems (a + b - b) can be compared with standard problems (a + b - c). If this principle is used, performance on inverse problems will be higher than performance on standard problems because no calculation is required. To our knowledge, this principle has not been previously studied in children with mathematical learning disabilities (MLD). Our objectives were (a) to study whether 10-year-olds with MLD are able to use this conceptual principle in three-term arithmetic problems and (b) to evaluate the impact of the presentation mode. A total of 64 children with or without MLD solved three-term arithmetic problems (inverse and standard) in two presentation modes (symbolic and picture). The results showed that even though children with MLD have difficulties in performing arithmetic problems, they can do so when the inverse problem is presented with pictures. The picture presentation mode allowed children with MLD to efficiently identify and use the conceptual inversion shortcut and thus to achieve a similar performance to that of typically developing children. These results provide interesting perspectives for the care of children with MLD., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Specific language and learning disorders concern about 5 %l of the population and explain a significant proportion of educational difficulties and schoolfailure in France. If they are not recognized in time, they can lead to school exclusion if not illiteracy. Reference Centers for specific language and learning disorders were created in the 2000's and improved consis- tently diagnosis and management of such disorders but there remain many difficulties: appointment's delay in these centers, professional training, limited care access in some areas and financial support for specific checkups and cares insufficiently refunded by the Health services, excluding low-income people. Another problem is the lack of care for teenagers and adults after the period covered by Reference Centers. This subject should be a national public health priority to avoid lifelong consequences in social and professional integration. Measures are evoked to improve this situation.