Non-Verbal Learning Disorder (NVLD) Assessment
The majority of learning disabilities that parents and educators notice are language-based. Communication and comprehension of the written or spoken word are essential aspects of almost any curriculum, so these difficulties can profoundly impact the student’s academic performance across subject areas. While non-verbal learning disorder (NVLD) is less frequently diagnosed, these learning disabilities can lead to a complex range of concerns that impact academic, social, and professional performance. This page describes the characteristics of NVLD assessment and diagnosis in South Easton, MA at the Learning Curve Assessment Center, and I’m happy to answer any additional questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.
What is Non-Verbal Learning Disorder (NVLD)?
When most parents think about learning disabilities, they are thinking about language-based learning disabilities like dyslexia. Kids with NVLD will not likely have any trouble reading or understanding the literal meanings of words. Instead, young people with NVLD have difficulty with non-verbal communication (facial expressions, body language, tone of voice), spatial reasoning, math concepts, executive functions, and drawing broader conclusions based on the information they’re presented. These difficulties can impact the student’s ability to learn in classroom settings, communicate well, and socialize with peers.
What Characteristics Might I Notice in My Child with an NVLD?
Students who are diagnosed with NVLD typically show warning signs that fall into one or more of five main categories:
Visual and spatial awareness - they may struggle with coordination, depth perception, and the ability to understand and decode visual information (images, charts, etc.).
High-order comprehension - they have difficulty seeing the forest for the trees. They completely understand specific details, but they struggle to extrapolate the details to create a big picture or overarching meaning.
Social communication - difficulty understanding facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, and other social cues makes effective communication difficult. These students may prefer texting, chatting online, and other forms of communication that remove the non-verbal elements.
Math concepts - kids with NVLD often do well in all academic areas in the introductory levels because they are good at memorizing specific details, but with higher level math that is more conceptual and involves pattern recognition the student with NVLD may struggle.
Executive Control functions - executive control functions are used to organize thoughts, plan for and perform tasks, and solve problems. Students who struggle with executive function may struggle to pay attention, remember dates, or keep up with school assignments.
How is NVLD Diagnosed?
Currently, NVLD is not recognized as a distinct diagnosis within the field. Instead, NVLD symptoms are considered part of a different diagnosis. For instance, students who have trouble maintaining attention or controlling impulsive behaviors will likely be diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Those who struggle with understanding or responding to non-verbal social cues may be diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. Students who struggle with mathematical concepts are likely to be diagnosed with dyscalculia. Because NVLD is not a recognized distinct diagnosis, we will need to provide a comprehensive array of neuropsychological and neurodevelopment evaluations to deliver a complete picture of your child’s abilities and challenges.