Nonverbal Learning Disorders

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NLD more commonly known as Nonverbal Learning Disability, is a developmental disorder. It is generally missed and left untreated. Most of the children and adults who have this disorder suffer in silence. Although the term itself is misleading, people who suffer are highly verbal, and the issue is with the non-verbal areas of daily life.

The children are often sharper and have higher vocubulary as compared to other children in their age and hence this illness is left on its own. The young children find it difficult to interact with others and they cannot acquire self learning skill. The issues of this type are not alarming, hence they are certainly overlooked.

Some symptoms of Non Verbal Learning Disorder

The kids who reach primary grade starts to get the following signs and symptoms in their growing phase. Things begin to deteriorate in these years as the expectation from them increases for task management and other activities.

• They typicall get lost
• They forget their homework
• Most of them look unprepared for attending or sitting in class
• Cannot follow the simple directions.
• Most of them struggle with math
• They can't write an essay
• They are generally very anxious in public places and show their anger at home.
• Most often they are labelled as careless, lazy, lathargic, uncooperative, weak, etc.
• Although they understand the communication, they are unable to make appropriate response for the given interaction.
• Trouble in making eye contact while they are talking or communicating.
• Using body language is not their way of expressing. The use of physical contact and touch, recognition of emotions and mood in the speech and face is something which is far from their understanding.

They are on the otherhand very much dedicated and hardworking. They are often striving for persistent and success oriented work. Their issue is NLD not their lathargic nature or carelessness.

Relation of NLD with Asperger Syndrome

There is questionable similarity and relationship between Asperger syndrome and NLD. Asperger Syndrome patients symptoms fit to that of the diagnosis of NLD as well. Still it is preferred to check for Asperger Syndrome rather than relying on NLD. Asperger Syndome diagnosis is clinically more important and fruitful medically for the sufferer rather than NLD.

Parenting tips for kids with NLD

As in the case of Autistic Spectrum Disorders, the tips are almost similar:

1. Make the surroundings and schedule of the child familier and predictable.
2. There is a high need of structure and routine so as to make the people get/follow them properly.
3. Explain the child about each change you are going to do prior to doing the change. They need preparation and predictability for everything.
4. Take care of sensory part of the environment - weather, noise, number of members in the family, etc.
5. Help them to stay organized, and concise in the things they say and do.
6. You need to explain them all the thing you want them to fo or follow in clear and simple words. You might need to render it slowly and with firm voice.