Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NLD) is another good example of a newer definition being created in the neurodiverse vocabulary. As they continue to do research on the brain and those of us that live outside the norms, the more our definitions and labels expand. We are not definitions, we are people. The definitions just help us to understand each other better and to learn to connect to one another’s preferences.
Because I coach adults to be their best and highest selves as leaders and people, this will be a new identifier for my clients to explore and learn more about themselves. I have already had a couple of calls from adults asking if this might be what has been limiting their growth.
QUICK DEFINITION
NLD affects “non-verbal” types of learning, like the ability to notice patterns and learn concepts. These include visual patterns, social patterns, and concepts in language and math.
ABOUT
Children with non-verbal learning disorder (NLD) often excel at memorizing facts but struggle with understanding concepts and organizing information. They may also experience physical clumsiness due to difficulties in spatial awareness.
Similarly to autistic children, NLD persons often struggle with social cues. Many individuals with NLD are also diagnosed with autism. These nonverbal social cues, which are patterns of behavior, can be challenging to interpret for a person with NLD.
While NLD students may excel in early stages of math due to their memorization skills, more advanced problems become difficult as they require pattern recognition and application. NLD also impacts executive functions, such as planning and organizing thoughts. This can make it challenging to break down projects into steps, identify appropriate skills for tasks, or structure essays.
It’s important to note that not all NLD students experience every symptom. Some may primarily struggle with planning or social cues.
Adults often notice signs of NLD around the fifth grade when schoolwork transitions from rote memorization to applying concepts. NLD students may find it difficult to grasp main ideas from passages or take effective notes. However, with appropriate support and strategies, they can successfully catch up with their peers.
Key Five Areas to Show Weakness for an NLD Person
- Visual and Spatial Awareness:
- Higher-Order Comprehension:
- Social Communication
- Math Concepts
- Executive Functions
ADULTS WITH NLD
Because this is such a new term and it is not in the DSM officially, it is more than likely you have not been officially diagnosed. You can get an official diagnosis and that can be a good idea if you would like to seek out some occupational therapy and social skills training. You don’t need an official diagnosis to work with a coach to transform your life. I believe both can be helpful at different levels depending on the person.
Adults with NLD are often creative, intelligent, and resourceful — with proper diagnosis, education of self and others, and applied learning, a world of possibility opens up.
“If you think you may be struggling with NLD, seek a diagnosis as soon as possible. Occupational therapy or social skills training are helpful at any age, and simple accommodations may make day-to-day tasks easier to manage. Adults who got an NLD diagnosis later in life often express relief that they “finally knew what was going on” — even if they missed out on early treatment that may have made a difference.” From ADDitude
WHAT YOU MIGHT NOTICE AT HOME
Missing out on jokes and when people are being sarcastic
Maps and charts can be a challenge
Rules of games are difficult
Tendency to “over-share” private information
Doing two things at once is a challenge
WHAT YOU MIGHT NOTICE AT WORK
May ask too many questions and disrupt the flow of conversation
Planning tasks can be hard
Doesn’t always comprehend what they have read, but can read quickly
Often misses deadlines
Have a hard time holding a pen or pencil and writing
TOP TOOLS
There are a variety of tools that can assist with NLD. Many of them are very useful and important to most people with neurodiversity. The top five I recommend are:
Tasks are checklists
Working from home
Having a mentor
Calendar – typically digital
SOP’s if in video – transcribed
This is just a brief overview to help you get started on your exploration of NLP. This article by ADDitude is more in depth.
OUTSTANDING Parenting example from Tim and Gwen Walz (two teachers)
Gwen and Tim Walz have a wonderful son Gus who has been diagnosed with nonverbal learning disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. “…Rather, what makes the Walz family’s story so reassuring is that they seem to want to help Gus live a good life rather than change who he is.” By Eric Garcia, MSNBC Columnist
They don’t talk about it often as it is something they have played to his strengths in his life.
To read the entire article by Eric Garcia CLICK HERE
SELF-TEST
I know my people, and we love a self-test and ADDitude knows that so they have one you can take.
CHECK OUT THE SELF-TEST
Now that you know more about NLD I hope this helps you understand yourself or someone you love a little better.
If you need to share this article with someone, don’t forget to pass it along.
Thanks,
JoyGenea
Resources
https://childmind.org/article/what-is-non-verbal-learning-disorder/
https://people.com/gus-walz-learning-disorder-secret-power-exclusive-8691793
https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/tim-walz-children-gus-neurodivergent-rcna166748