Nonverbal Learning Disorder: A Guide for Parents & Caregivers

This guide will provide an overview of what Nonverbal Learning Disorder is, its presenting symptoms, etiology and how to support your child if you suspect they have a NVLD. 

What Is a Nonverbal Learning Disorder

Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that significantly impacts a child's ability to process nonverbal information. While children with NVLD may have strong verbal and reading skills, they often struggle with visual-spatial tasks, social interactions, math calculations and visual executive functioning, affecting visual information processing.This disparity can cause difficulty in middle school, a time when academic demands increase and children are expected to apply learned concepts and patterns to new situations.

The condition isn't an official diagnosis under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), but it is widely recognized by mental health professionals. NVLD primarily affects the right hemisphere of the brain, which is responsible for visual-spatial processing, abstract thinking, and nonverbal communication. While children with NVLD may excel in rote learning and verbal tasks, they often face challenges in comprehending and grasping more complex academic material.

What Are the Five Areas of Nonverbal Learning Disorder

Nonverbal Learning Disorder impacts several developmental areas. Here are the five key areas that are typically affected in children with NVLD:

• Visual-Spatial Processing: Children with NVLD struggle to understand visual-spatial concepts, which can make tasks like reading maps, organizing materials, or even interpreting facial expressions difficult. They have trouble understanding how objects relate to each other in space, making these tasks challenging.
• Motor Coordination: Fine motor skills, such as handwriting, using utensils, or engaging in sports, can be particularly problematic. The difficulty in performing coordinated motor activities often leads to clumsiness, making these children appear uncoordinated in comparison to their peers.
• Social Skills: A significant symptom of NVLD is difficulty with social interaction. Children with NVLD often have trouble interpreting nonverbal communication, including facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. As a result, they may misread social cues or misunderstand others’ intentions, leading to social isolation or difficulty making friends.
• Executive Functions (EF): Executive functions include the mental processes involved in planning, organizing, problem-solving, and regulating behavior. Children with NVLD have weak executive functions, which can hinder their ability to complete tasks, follow multi-step directions, and adjust to changes in routine. This can impact their performance in academic and social settings.
• Abstract Thinking and Reasoning: Abstract thinking, which involves understanding concepts that aren’t directly observable, can be especially challenging for children with NVLD. They may struggle with understanding abstract concepts in math, science, or even social contexts. This difficulty with reasoning and problem-solving can affect their academic progress and ability to adapt to new situations.

What Are Symptoms of Nonverbal Learning Disorder

Symptoms of NVLD often become more apparent as children move into middle school, where academic expectations and social pressures increase. Parents and caregivers should look for these key signs of NVLD:

• Difficulty with Motor Skills: Children with NVLD often have trouble with fine motor skills, such as handwriting, using scissors, or tying shoes. They may also have trouble performing gross motor tasks like catching a ball or running, which can affect their participation in physical activities and sports.
• Trouble Understanding Nonverbal Communication: One of the most common symptoms of NVLD is the child’s inability to understand nonverbal communication. This includes facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. These children may misinterpret social cues and fail to pick up on the emotional state of others, leading to social misunderstandings.
• Challenges with Visual-Spatial Tasks: Tasks that involve understanding the relationship between objects in space (such as solving puzzles or reading maps) can be difficult for children with NVLD. This challenge often extends to understanding geometry concepts or navigating through unfamiliar environments.
• Weak Social Skills: Social interaction can be particularly challenging for children with NVLD. They often have trouble making friends, understanding social norms, and engaging in appropriate conversation. They may seem awkward in social situations, especially when trying to apply verbal skills to nonverbal social contexts.
• Executive Functioning Struggles: Children with NVLD often have difficulty with executive functions, including planning and organizing tasks. They may have trouble remembering instructions, following through with assignments, or managing their time effectively. This can be particularly noticeable in middle school, when academic tasks become more complex and demand greater organization.
• Co-occurring Conditions: NVLD is often associated with other diagnoses, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism or anxiety. Children with NVLD may also experience difficulties related to attention, focus, and mental health, as they navigate the challenges of social interactions and academic demands.

What Causes Nonverbal Learning Disorder?

The exact cause of NVLD is still not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to atypical development in the brain, particularly in the right hemisphere. This area of the brain is responsible for processing nonverbal information, such as spatial awareness, abstract thinking, and interpreting facial expressions. Genetic factors and brain structure abnormalities, such as delayed development in the frontal lobes, may contribute to the condition.

NVLD is often associated with delays in the development of executive functioning skills, which are necessary for planning, organizing, problem-solving, reasoning, and flexible thinking. This can hinder a child’s ability to apply learned concepts to new situations, especially when they are faced with academic tasks that require abstract thinking.

How Do You Treat Nonverbal Learning Disorder?

While there is no cure for NVLD, early intervention and tailored support can significantly improve a child's ability to cope with their challenges. Treatment typically involves a combination of therapies, social skills training, and academic support. 

Therapies

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help children with NVLD manage anxiety and develop better social and problem-solving skills. CBT can also be useful in addressing the emotional struggles associated with social difficulties.
• Occupational Therapy targets motor coordination, helping children improve fine motor skills like handwriting and gross motor skills such as balance. This therapy also supports the development of spatial awareness and sensory processing.
• Speech and Language Therapy can help children with NVLD improve their social communication skills by teaching them to interpret nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions and tone of voice. 

Social Skills Training

• Structured social skills programs teach children how to recognize and respond to nonverbal communication and improve their ability to navigate social interactions. This may include role-playing and practicing social scenarios in a safe, supportive environment.

Academic Support and Accommodations

In school, children with NVLD may benefit from individualized accommodations, such as extra time on tests or alternative ways of presenting information. A well-structured IEP or 504 Plan can address areas such as executive function difficulties, social skills, and academic support, providing a tailored learning experience.

Home Support

Parents and caregivers can play a crucial role in supporting their child with NVLD. Here are a few ways to assist at home:

• Break Tasks Into Manageable Steps: Children with NVLD may struggle with following multi-step directions. Break tasks down into smaller, more manageable parts to help them understand and complete assignments.
• Provide Visual Supports: Visual schedules, charts, or reminders can help children with NVLD manage their daily routines and stay organized.
• Encourage Physical Activity: Regular exercise can improve motor coordination and reduce anxiety. Activities like swimming, yoga, or team sports can also help children develop social skills and confidence.

Next Steps

If you suspect that your child may have NVLD, the first step is to seek an evaluation from a mental health professional or developmental pediatrician. A thorough assessment will help identify the root causes of your child’s struggles and guide treatment recommendations.

Early identification and intervention are crucial for children with NVLD. With the right support, they can develop better social skills, improve their academic performance, and navigate the challenges of growing up.

If you're looking for help with your child who may have or has a nonverbal learning disorder, Handspring Health can help.

Schedule a free consultation with a licensed Handspring therapist. 

By working together, parents, caregivers, and professionals can help children with NVLD develop the skills they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

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