I've been told I might have a non-verbal learning disabilty?

Question

Okay so I haven't been tested for it yet but a specialist in the field says I have the warning signs. What Is a nonverbal learning disability? How do you get tested? I'm in advanced general ed. If I got diagnosed would I be transfered for that?

Answer 1

Here is a definition of a nonverbal learning disability:

What is NLD? Nonverbal learning disorders (NLD) is a neurological syndrome consisting of specific assets and deficits. The assets include early speech and vocabulary development, remarkable rote memory skills, attention to detail, early reading skills development and excellent spelling skills. In addition, these individuals have the verbal ability to express themselves eloquently. Moreover, persons with NLD have strong auditory retention. Four major categories of deficits and dysfunction also present themselves:

•motoric (lack of coordination, severe balance problems, and difficulties with graphomotor skills).

•visual-spatial-organizational (lack of image, poor visual recall, faulty spatial perceptions, difficulties with executive functioning* and problems with spatial relations).

•social (lack of ability to comprehend nonverbal communication, difficulties adjusting to transitions and novel situations, and deficits in social judgment and social interaction).

•sensory (sensitivity in any of the sensory modes: visual, auditory, tactile, taste or olfactory)

The website containing the above info is: http://www.nldline.com/

Any person with NVLD may have a different combination of the above deficits. In no way shape or form should this limit you in terms of what you wish to study in school. If you do obtain a diagnosis, it may allow others to best help you achieve your highest potential. To get an official diagnosis, you would probably need to see either a psychologist or a neurologist.

Keep in mind that many people with similar learning styles have gone on the achieve remarkable things (the list includes people like Albert Einstein). Good luck!

Answer 2

You may or may not have a disability--and mo one--specialist or not--can say without proper testing. As to what a "nonverbal learning disability" is, that's hard to explain. In general it is a tag for a collection of behaviors that can be disruptive of individual functioning and seem to be related. NLD (for short) is thought by some to be a neurological disorder--but it's not well understood--and misdiagnosis, especially without proper testing (as in your case) is common.

That does not mean that the issues that led to this evaluation should not be addressed--or that you should not be tested. But I advise caution. Some of the other respondents suggest you talk to your school counselor--but as a professionalin the disability field, I strongly advise you not to do that unless and until you have been tested.

The reason has to do with theory versus reality in the school system. If you were already at the college level, this would not be a problem. But far too often, well-meaning teachers and counsellors jump to conclusions--and you may find yourself labed as a "special needs" studen--which you clearly are not--or you wouldn't be in adveanced classes.

One other answerer said that this does not impose limitations. Thats the theory. Here's the reality: you may end up forced into special ed classes you don't need--and that can limit your opportunities to prepare for college. It ccan also makke you vulnerable to mandated "intrventions" by the school system (translated: an endless amount of paperwork and aggravation).

Again--don't misunderstand me--I'm not suggesting you ignore this--get tested. Then you and your family should educate yourselves about the situation ( assuming the tests show y ou do have NLD) BEFORE you go to the school. Then you will be in a position to work with school personnel to make sure your needs are properly met. And do not let this cause you to doubt your own ability--one very common feature of NLD is that the people who have it are often highly intellligent and capable.

PS--with all due respect to "lolabella"--I'm afraid you missed the point the 1st response (and mine) are making. I'm fully aware of the illegality of imposing limitations on students with disabilities--and you're answer is technically correct.

But while there is no queestion that if help is needed, it should be sought out, caution is warrented. The cold hard reality is that discrimination against persons with disabilities--including by schools--is commonplace--illegal or not. Your theory is great--but the reality is a lot harsher. It should not be that way--but it is.

Answer 3

The first responder is incorrect. Putting an official diagnosis on your "record" will not prohibit you from anything. That would be illegal. You would actually be given extra support if you need it.

Here are some signs of NVLD:

Great vocabulary and verbal expression
Excellent memory skills
Attention to detail, but misses the big picture
Trouble understanding reading
Difficulty with math, especially word problems
Poor abstract reasoning
Physically awkward; poor coordination
Messy and laborious handwriting
Concrete thinking; taking things very literally
Trouble with nonverbal communication, like body language, facial expression and tone of voice
Poor social skills; difficulty making and keeping friends
Fear of new situations
Trouble adjusting to changes
May be very naïve and lack common sense
Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem
May withdraw, becoming agoraphobic (abnormal fear of open spaces)

Don't freak yourself out. A diagnosis doesn't define you. You will need to be evaluated by a psychologist. They will administer a battery of standardized tests. These tests will show your strengths and needs. They will look at your classroom performance as well. If you fit the criteria for NVLD they will give you the diagnosis.

The diagnosis doesn't change who you are....but it can help you get the support you may need to help you achieve continued academic and social success.

Good luck to you!

Answer 4

I would say you must have problems with the written word - either your spelling is poor or your sentence/paragraph structure is awkward. If you get tested, you shouldn't be taken out of anything. Here in West Virginia, you might be given an IEP (individualized education plan) which may state that your tests, quizzes, etc. can be verbal (You tell the teacher the answers), or that you are allowed to use a dictionary/spell check for all work, or that you can dictate the answers to someone and have them write the answers out. Those are some modifications that can be made for those kinds of disabilities. If your problem is something else, I'm not sure what the solution is.

Answer 5

At school talk to your counselor, but beware...if you do it could be put in your permanent school record and limit opportunities offered to you, so if you are getting along fine, I wouldn't worry about it, or you could try a private learning center like Sylvan Learning Centers, then your school won't become involved and you can get help, may be a bit pricey, may have assistance if your low income. Good Luck!