Nonverbal Learning Disabilities: A Primer - Page 2

Special Challenges in the Social-Emotional Domain

Perhaps the most debilitating feature of non-verbal learning disabilities falls within the areas of social and interpersonal skills. For example:

• having heard a joke being told by a radio talk-show host, John proceeded to retell it to everyone in the room — one person at a time! — not realizing that some people were listening over their shoulders (so they heard it already) and that others (by not making eye contact or by positioning themselves away from the conversation) were just not interested.
• after breaking a glass, Beth was confused by her brother's commenting "good job" (not understanding the sarcasm in his voice or realizing that his animated facial expression conveyed the real meaning of his words).

These sorts of social challenges are the hallmarks of NVLD. Without meaning to be difficult or intrusive, individuals with NVLD can often be:

• physically awkward (e.g., don't quite know what to do their hands during casual conversation; prone to show anxiety-induced and potentially embarrassing behaviors in public),
• socially intrusive (e.g., stand too close to someone or follow someone around during casual conversation; not sure when or how to "break in," join a conversation, or engage in the "give and take" of interpersonal communication), and
• socially isolated (e.g., unsure or unaware of their option to join a group or initiate social interaction).
• Additionally, a common feature of NVLD is seemingly incessant talking! These individuals often narrate their thoughts aloud, sometimes sharing too much detail (of a personal nature) without realizing they've done so, or repeat details and have trouble getting to the point or sharing the "big picture" during conversation.

Learn More About Non-verbal Learning Disabilities

Here are a number of helpful sources of information about NVLD. As always your comments and feedback are welcome, and we encourage you to share recommendations for additional resources on this somewhat elusive disorder by writing to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

• Nonverbal Learning Disabilities (PDF)
  A comprehensive overview NVLD, published in the May/June 2000 NYU Child Study Center Letter, that addresses issues of differential diagnosis and strategies for parents and teachers.

• The Source for Nonverbal Learning Disorders
  A helpful text by Sue Thompson, published by LinguiSystems (1997).

• What are Nonverbal Learning Disabilities?
  A brief and east-to-read fact sheet on NVLD, with specific references to young children, academic issues and social-emotional issues.

• LD Online
  A major website in the LD community that offers articles, Q&A, and recommended links about NVLD.

• University of Michigan Health Systems
  Visit this sight for easy-to-read information on NVLD for parents, educators and health professionals.

• Nonverbal Learning Disability: What the SLP Needs to Know
  Read this feature in the ASHA Leader Online to learn about the dimensions of language and implications for treatment of NVLD.

• Nonverbal Learning Disabilities
  Find answer to some of the most common questions parents ask about nonverbal learning disabilities.