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.

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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? 

• Studies estimate that around 1 in 100, or 1 percent, of kids in the United States may have NVLD.
•  It tends to affect boys and girls about equally.
• It doesn’t seem to run in families the way attention issues and language-based learning disabilities do.
• NVLD often coexists with Asperger’s syndrome. In fact, studies suggest that up to 80 percent of kids with Asperger’s also have NVLD-related symptoms. NVLD symptoms may coexist with ADHD, though statistics aren’t available.

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.

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. 

Tools to help students with NVLD become organized.

Checklists help keep students with NLVD focused.

Some students with NVLD get overwhelmed in large groups and need a break from the classroom.

Other Resources on NVLD

• Helping a Child With a Nonverbal Learning Disorder or Asperger’s Disorder 
• The NVLD project  
• Parent information
• Apps for executive functioning 
• Nonverbal learning disorders association  
• websites for kids teens and young adults 
• Boston University Anxiety clinic