Non verbal Learning Disability

Nonverbal learning disability is not at all what it sounds like. It is a combination of learning, academic, social and emotional issues. Most children diagnosed with learning disabilities do not suffer social and emotional development problems. Those that do struggle with social issues can typically tie them to the self-esteem problems that accompany learning disabilities.

Troubles in social situations and group projects don’t give rise to the disability. NVLD students seem perfectly normal to the outside world, but parents usually detect something. Many times parents will say, “I thought he just lacked some street smarts” and often they’ll think nothing more of it.

The causes are unknown but scientists know that failures in the right brain are related to the problem. The left brain controls the step-by-step logic and statistical problems, while the right brain handles situational analysis, deduction and abstract thinking. Problems like “what comes next in this sequence, what’s this object look like rotated and how are these objects related cause problems for left-brain thinkers.

With a clear road map to the solution, NVLD sufferers must learn to buckle down and teach themselves how to think through the question. Knowing how your brain thinks is part of the solution. If, for example, the student understands how “long math problems” cause processing problems, they can take steps to prevent issues. Even simple solutions like breaking the problem into parts first can help NVLD overcome their own troubles.

Like dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia, nonverbal learning disorder is not a disease. It is not something held by the lazy or sensory challenged. A learning disability is so named because traditional educators did the naming. A learning disability is merely a mindset not designed to process information the way schools typically present it. That’s it.

Learn more about nonverbal learning disabilities. Stop by Linda Silbert’s site where you can find out all about learning disabilities types and what the Silberts can do for your child. Call them (845-628-7910) so they can help you get through this process. You don’t have to be alone.