Impairment of simultaneous-spatial working memory in nonverbal (visuospatial) learning disability: A treatment case study

Abstract

We report the case of B.A., an 11-year-old child with a nonverbal (visuospatial) learning disability (NLD). Detailed psychometric and neuropsychological assessment on visuospatial working memory (VSWM) revealed specific simultaneous-spatial working memory impairment. A treatment targeting simultaneous-spatial working memory was given to B.A. for seven sessions (over one month); this resulted in improvement of simultaneous-spatial working memory, with the benefit that the training was maintained after six months.

Discussion of clinical and theoretical implications is given, taking account of the distinctions that can be made between the different components of visuospatial working memory and different subtypes of NLD, thus allowing the tailoring of specific training to target the impaired VSWM component.

Keywords:

• Nonverbal (visuospatial) learning disability
• Visuospatial working memory
• Treatment
• Single case

We wish to thank Dr Patrizio Tressoldi for his valuable suggestions.