Author: Brett McCardel, MS, CCC-SLP
How can number processing be conceptualized? ๐ข ๐ง โฃ
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Models of numerical processing are helpful tools for better understanding the types of arithmetic errors made by people with acalculia. While these errors can be seemingly random upon first glance, theoretical models help provide a framework for recognizing why certain errors are made and how treatment can be individualized to best fit the unique needs of our clients.โฃ
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Throughout the acalculia literature, two different models of numerical processing have reached prominence in explaining acquired arithmetic errors: โฃ
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๐นMcCloskyโs Model of Numerical Processing (McClosky et al, 1985)โฃ
๐นTriple Code Model (Dehaene, 1992)โฃ
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Though these models fundamentally differ in how they represent and explain numerical processing, both models are useful tools in acalculia management for conceptualizing how certain arithmetic operations are impaired while other arithmetic operations remain intact. The following features are central tenets of each model:โฃ
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๐ ๐ฐ๐๐น๐ผ๐๐ธ๐โ๐ ๐ ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐น ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ก๐๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ดโฃ
-Separates Arabic Numeral processing (12) from Verbal Numeral processing (twelve)โฃ
-Calculation Mechanisms are not bound to either Arabic or Verbal modalities, and are instead independent functionsโฃ
-For any arithmetic task, a central semantic system (Abstract Internal Representation) must be accessed; no task can be completed without accessing this systemโฃ
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๐ง๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฝ๐น๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐ ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐นโฃ
-Numbers are represented in three different codes: Auditory Verbal Code (twelve), Visual Arabic Code (12), and Analogue Magnitude Representation (where magnitude and quantity information is stored)โฃ
-Calculation Mechanisms are tied to certain codes (e.g., multi-digit operations are housed within the Visual Arabic Code)โฃ
-The Auditory Verbal Code and Visual Arabic Code do not automatically access any semantic information; some arithmetic tasks can be done without accessing semantics at all โฃ
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Though each model has its own theoretical strengths and weaknesses, they serve as helpful guides for navigating the arithmetic profiles of our clients with acalculia. โฃ
#acalculia #dyscalculia #aphasia #aphasiatherapy #medslp
#mathematical #mathhelp
#cognitiveneuropsychology
#neuropsychology