Nonverbal Learning Disability?

Question

My first husband and I divorced six years ago. We have two boys, who are now age 10 and 8. We keep a 'friendship' so to speak for our sons sake. Four years ago my eldest son wanted to go and live with his dad, and then my younger boy did as well. So, they have been living with their father, stepmother (who's a special educator) and now, new baby sister. Their Stepmother came to me about two years ago and asked if Jake (the younger boy) had been evaluated for Learning Disabilities at his school. I said no. She and my ex took him to an educational psychologist who determined that Jake has a 'Nonverbal Learning Disability'.His father and Stepmother have always taken care of this and made sure his needs were met at school. Since the arrival of his new sister 6 months ago, Jake has wanted to move back home with me, and is doing so next month. I don't really understand what a 'Nonverbal Learning Disability' is. I mean he may not always respond how you'd expect and 8 year old to, but he is very

verbal and has a wonderful vocabulary. He speaks like an 18 year old, not an 8 year old. He does not really like other children, but he's just shy. He's disorganized, but what does that have to do with being 'nonverbal' ? What is a 'Nonverbal Learning Disability and how can I make sure my son is properly accommodated in school?

Answer 1

My son has this, and the website the other user provided is excellent.

NVLD does not refer to his verbal ability, it means that he would have trouble in his NONVERBAL parts of the brain. Kids with NVLD often have trouble with visual aspects. so cleaning, being organized, etc will be hard. He'll likely have a hard time at school because of an untidy desk, losing school work, etc. He'll have a hard time cleaning his room, can't see the individual articles for the mess. He can learn, but probably needs things outlined in detail to accomplish.

My son also talks like an older person, and part of that is because it is easier for him to script things as he's heard them than to use slang or develop language on his own. It's not necessarily a bad thing to have, but it is different and he'll need a lot of patience.

Make sure that the new school receives a copy of his IEP from his old school, and that they follow the same supports and assistance. Good luck

Answer 2

I hope this helps you and your son