Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities

The term "Non-verbal Learning Disorder" (NLD) was first used by Johnson and Myklebust in the 1970's to describe a collection of symptoms found in children who obtained Verbal IQ scores which were significantly larger than Performance or Non-verbal IQ test scores.

NLD is a disorder of presumed neurological origin resulting from diminished or disordered functioning in the right-hemisphere.  The right hemisphere is the area of the brain which processes nonverbal or performance-based information, including visual-spatial, intuitive, organizational, evaluative and holistic input.

Three broad categories of problem are often observed in children and adults with NLD:

1. Motoric dysfunction - lack of coordination, balance problems and difficulty
   
   

2. Visual-spatial disorganization - poor visual spatial analysis, disordered spatial perception, and difficulty with spatial orientation
   
   

3. Poor social cognition - difficulty interpreting non-verbal social cues such as gestures, body language and tone of voice; difficulty adjusting to transitions.
   

Common characteristics of NLD include but are not limited to:

• Performance IQ significantly lower than verbal IQ
  
  

• Precocious speech & language development and verbosity at a young age
  
  

• Remarkable rote verbatim memory
  
  

• Precocious reading decoding ability (Hyperlexia ["word calling"])
  
  

• Strong spelling from dictation but poor writing and written work organization
  
  

• Math disability
  
  

• Poor coordination & balance
  
  

• Poor fine motor skills
  
  

• Poor visual-spatial part-to-whole perception
  
  

• Difficulty comprehending novel material
  
  

• Deficits in social interaction
  

Margaret J. Kay, Ed.D., has been qualified as an expert in  diagnosis and intervention for children & adults with Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities (NLD).

On-Line Resources

• American Hyperlexia Association (AHA)
  A non-profit organization with the goal of identifying hy0perlexia, promoting and facilitating effective teaching techniques, and educating the public as to the existence of Hyperlexia.
  
  

• Asperger's Syndrome Coalition of the United States, Inc.
  ASC-U.S.
  A national, non-profit organization committed to providing the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on social and communication disorders, with particular focus on Asperger's Syndrome and Nonverbal Learning Disability.
  
  

• Center for Non-verbal Studies (CNS)
  A non-profit research center whose mission is to advance the study of human communication in all its forms apart from language.
  
  

• NLD on the Web!
  A comprehensive site filled with information and vital on-line links for individuals and families with non-verbal learning disorders.
  
  

• NLDLine
  This was the first site on the Internet to focus on Non-Verbal Learning Disorders.  Features include a library filled with articles, book reviews, glossary and bibliographies, dealing with the NLD syndrome.  There is also a pen pal feature, web links, calendar of events and chat rooms.  Provides excellent information for parents, educators and professionals interested in NLD.
  
  

• Online Asperger Syndrome Information and Support (O.A.S.I.S.)
  Comprehensive site for Asperger Syndrome maintained by the parent of a child with Asperger Syndrome.
  
  

• Tera's NLD Jumpstation
  A resource on Nonverbal Learning Disabilities by an NLD person.
   

Suggested Readings

• Stewart, K. Helping a Child With Nonverbal Learning Disorder or Asperger's Disorder: A Parent's Guide (Parents Guide) (Paperback). New Harbinger Publications; 2 edition (September 2007)
   
• McGinnis, E. & Goldstein, A. P. (1997). Skillstreaming the Elementary School Child:  New Strategies and Perspectives for Teaching Prosocial Skills.  Research Press.
  
  
• McGinnis, E. & Goldstein, A. P. (1997). Skillstreaming the Adolescent:  New Strategies and Perspectives for Teaching Prosocial Skills.  Research Press.
  
  

• Rourke, B. P. (ED) (1995). Syndrome of Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities: Neurodevelopmental Manifestations. Guilford Press.
  
  
• Tanguay, P. Nonverbal Learning Disabilities at Home : A Parents Guide
  
  

• Thompson, S. (1997) The Source for Non-Verbal Learning Disorders. Lingui Systems.
  
  
• Educational Intervention for the Child with Nonverbal Learning Disorder by Sue Thompson & Judith Paton (Audio Cassette, April 1997)
  

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Learning Disabilities Resource Kit

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Last modified: January 03, 2008