Application of Luria’s Theoretical-Methodological Principles for Evaluation in Infants with School Difficulties in Math: a Case Study of Epilepsy (original) (raw)

The objective of the present study was to discuss the theoretical and methodological principles recommended by Alexsander Romanovich Luria and their application to neuropsychological and educational assessment in infants. We present a case study of a male child, 11 years of age, diagnosed with generalized idiopathic epilepsy absence with a history of school in mathematics. The neuropsychological evaluation followed four steps proposed by Luria: (1) qualitative analysis of the symptoms, (2) quantitative evaluation of activity, (3) qualitative evaluation of activity, and (4) the proposition of a rehabilitation program. These steps were contemplated based on a neuropsychological protocol composed of nomothetic and idiographic tasks. We found deficits in manipulation activities, especially ones that demand visuospatial and visuoconstructive skills, associated with school difficulties in mathematics. The Lurian method allowed us to identify preserved and compromised cognitive functions, allowing interventions that minimized the identified deficits.