NVLD - Nonverbal Learning Disorder

What is NVLD?

One of its hallmarks is the tendency to excel at verbal tasks while struggling with visual-spatial reasoning or motor coordination. Adults with NVLD may have a rich vocabulary and strong verbal memory, but find it challenging to form mental images, grasp abstract concepts or engage in activities requiring hand-eye coordination.

This gap between verbal and nonverbal abilities is a key feature of this neurodivergent condition and can often lead to misunderstandings or underestimations of what someone is actually capable of. NVLD is also commonly mistaken for ADHD.

Challenges

Due to difficulties in understanding and interpreting nonverbal cues, social interactions can be particularly challenging for individuals with NVLD. Picking up on subtle facial expressions, gestures or tone of voice does not come naturally, which can lead to misinterpretation, social awkwardness and anxiety in social situations.

As with ADHD, executive functioning is another common area of difficulty for those with NVLD – particularly tasks that require abstract thinking or adapting to changes in routine.

Benefits

Despite the challenges, those with NVLD can possess many strengths which are often overlooked – great verbal reasoning and fluency, strong reading skills, rote memorisation and attention to detail. If these strengths are recognised and nurtured, strategies to manage the challenges can be adopted.

The strengths that come with this profile are frequently overlooked: exceptional verbal reasoning and fluency, strong reading ability, rote memorisation and a sharp attention to detail. If these strengths are recognised and nurtured, strategies to manage the challenges can be adopted.

The NVLD Project

Re-Focus is a partner of The NVLD Project – a US-based organisation dedicated to raising awareness, building support and creating practical solutions for children, adolescents and adults with nonverbal learning disability.

We are dedicated to raising awareness, building support and creating helpful solutions for children, adolescents, and adults with Non-Verbal Learning Disability.

Refocus’ founder at The NVLD Project, New York

Catherine, NVLD coach at Re-focus, was invited to deliver the keynote address at their annual fundraiser at the Century Club in New York, speaking from her own experience of growing up with NVLD and ADHD – and the transformation that came with diagnosis.

At the same event, the world’s leading NVLD researchers presented their latest findings.

THE FULL NVLD PANEL DISCUSSION.