Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities
What is NVD or NVLD
Non-Verbal Learning Disability (NVD or NVLD), is a disorder which is usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial and social skills.
Non-Verbal Learning Disability (NVD or NVLD), is a disorder which is usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial and social skills.
Signs and Symptoms
~ Has trouble recognizing nonverbal cues such as facial expression or body language
~ Shows poor psycho-motor coordination; clumsy; seems to be constantly “getting in the way,” bumping into people and objects
~ Using fine motor skills a challenge
tying shoes, writing, using scissors
~ Needs to verbally label everything that happens to comprehend circumstances, spatial orientation, directional concepts and coordination; often lost or tardy
~ Has difficulty coping with changes in routing and transitions
~ Has difficulty generalizing previously learned information ~Has difficulty following multi-step instructions
~Make very literal translations
~Asks too many questions, may be repetitive and inappropriately interrupt the flow of a lesson
~ Imparts the “illusion of competence” because of the student’s strong verbal skills
How common are nonverbal learning disabilities?
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Kids with NVLD are often misunderstood because of these behaviors. Peers and adults may see them as odd or immature. Without knowing a child has NVLD, a teacher may think he’s inattentive or defiant.
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How to help students with NVLD
- Help students organize incoming information
- Teach students how to focus
- Teach social skills
- Allow self talk
- Avoid Punitive action
- Model interpersonal skills with students
- Many students with NVLD develop anxiety disorders due to being unable to make interpersonal connections so helping them make these connections is key.
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