It’s plausible within this fictional scenario that isolated damage solely to the left TPJ could account for the specific pattern of results seen across various tests for Kenneth:
– As discussed, the left TPJ supports abilities important for the WAIS Coding task like rapid visual scanning, working memory, motor sequencing – all of which could be impaired by TPJ damage alone.
– Processing speed deficits may emerge from disrupted coordination between left TPJ and motor/attention regions due to its connectivity role.
– However, intact right TPJ function could sufficiently support adequate performance on the more visually-oriented/simultaneous processing demands of Symbol Search through residual/compensatory networks.
Some additional considerations supporting this claim:
– Symbol Search involves matching/discrimination, which may rely less on temporal/sequential processes vulnerable to left TPJ impairment.
– The nonverbal/spatial nature of Symbol Search stimuli could allow intact right TPJ contributions to carry performance.
– No evidence of broader neurological or cognitive deficits are presented that could better explain the mixed profile.
So in summary, it seems plausible that an isolated focal left TPJ lesion/disruption as the sole neurological condition in this fictional scenario could produce weaknesses specifically on Coding and processing speed while allowing relative sparing on a task like Symbol Search, through impacts on networks underlying those discreet skills.
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