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Numerical abilities in Williams syndrome. Attila Krajcsi 1 , Mihály Racsmány 2 , János Igács 1 , Csaba Pléh 2 1 University of Szeged 2 Budapest University of Technology and Economics Mail: krajcsi@pszichologia.hu Web: http://www.staff.u-szeged.hu/~krajcsi. Outline. Numerical abilities
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Numerical abilities in Williams syndrome Attila Krajcsi1, Mihály Racsmány2, János Igács1, Csaba Pléh2 1University of Szeged2Budapest University of Technology and Economics Mail: krajcsi@pszichologia.hu Web: http://www.staff.u-szeged.hu/~krajcsi
Outline • Numerical abilities • Numerical problems and possible causes • Study with WS and DC children • Conclusion about WS and broader considerations
Developmental dyscalculia (DC) • Mathematical ability, as measured by individually administeredstandardized tests, is substantially below that expected given the person's chronological age, measured intelligence, and age-appropriate education. • Normal intelligence • Impaired mathematical performance
Numerical problems in genetical disorders • Williams syndrome • Turner syndrome • Developmental Gerstmann syndrome • Fragile X syndrome • Down syndrome • Etc.
Possible causes • Adolescents with bad performance on simple arithmetical test • Increasement in gray matter Isaacs et al., 2001
Several causes • A huge amount of ideas explaining numerical problems • Working memory problem (verbal, spatial, executive) • LTM problem • Anxiety • Etc. • Different types of numerical disabilities • Different types of DC • Different problems in genetic disorders
Study with WS and DC children • Methods • Presence of effects • Mean RTs • Selective load method – alternative RT
Simple addition 6 + 3 = 8 Simple multiplication 5 * 4 = 20 Number comparison 7 2 Dot counting Multiple object tracking Verbal retrieval Verbal retrieval Number line Visual functions Visual functions Tasks
Subjects • 7 WS subject • 14 DC subject11 years • 11 control subject10 years
Charles vs.controll: number comparison Butterworth, 2003
Williams syndrome and DC Krajcsi, Racsmány, Igács, Pléh, 2005
Simple addition Simple multiplication Number comparison Dot counting Multiple object tracking Verbal retrieval Verbal retrieval Number line Visual functions Visual functions Tasks
Number comparison (3) Magnitude representation Comparison (4) Executive functions Decision (1) Visual input (5) Motor region Response (2) Arabic numerical representation
Selective load Krajcsi, 2005
Conclusions • Williams syndrome • Usual effects are present • Relatively bad parietal functions (comparison and dot counting) • Relatively good verbal functions (simple addition and multiplication – rote learning) • Broader considerations • DC is not caused by the deficit of magnitude representation • Selective load method validation
Thank you for your attention! Attila Krajcsi1, Mihály Racsmány2, János Igács1, Csaba Pléh2 1University of Szeged2Budapest University of Technology and Economics Mail: krajcsi@pszichologia.hu Web: http://www.staff.u-szeged.hu/~krajcsi