NVLD

Non-Verbal Learning Disorder

Mind Over Learning understands the roots of nonverbal learning disorder (NVLD) and all the neurodevelopmental functions affected by it. Commonly undiagnosed on its own, NVLD is a type of learning disability with problems processing visual-spatial information. It has a high comorbidity with ADHD and Autism.

NVLD results in poor written expression due to poor abstract reasoning. It comes with significant difficulty in math and learning math facts, as well as understanding the abstract concepts in math. Students with NVLD generally think in more absolute and concrete terms.

Our math and language programs are specifically designed for these kinds of students, whether they are diagnosed or undiagnosed. They are highly successful, and allow students to more easily compensate for the disability. We believe that no student is incapable of succeeding at school and the results of our past students is proof of that.

Signs & Challenges of NVLD

Some signs of NVLD include:
– Difficulty with fine motor skills
– Doesn’t do well with changes in routine
– Asks a lot of questions, “too many” perhaps, but doesn’t seem to process answers well
– Clumsy and awkward, seems to be ‘in the way’ of people and things often
– Doesn’t process a set of complex instructions well

One of the challenges of nonverbal learning disorder is that it gives an “illusion of competence” – making the student look like he or she is doing fine because of his or her advanced verbal skills. And yet, sadly, this same boy or girl (or young man or woman) could be deeply struggling with academics and other issues.

The good news is that there are effective strategies available for coping with NVLD and creating a more functional life, both day-to-day and in the long term. At Mind Over Learning we are well-versed with the challenges of NVLD. We can provide you with any information you need about your child’s learning and life challenges if they’ve been diagnosed and help you better support them at home.

School Accommodations for Students with NVLD

Ensuring a student is successful in their studies requires a team effort from both the parents and the school. The student has a fundamental right to equal access to education, and so it is the school’s responsibility to accommodate the special needs of a student who has nonverbal learning disorder. Consulting with the school principal and counselor, parents can develop a plan to make sure the student receives these accommodations.

If your child has been diagnosed with NVLD, we want to help! On top of our learning programs which will definitely help your child cope and thrive at school, we can also assist parents with information that will help them set the appropriate school accommodations for their child, giving them the support they need right from the source of their learning!

Examples of school accommodations we recommend include:

• Posting class schedules, rules and expectations in the classroom and making sure the student sees them.
• Creating a daily class routine that changes as little as possible.
• Having the teacher give an overview of the lesson and stating the objective before teaching it.
• Providing detailed directions on how to complete complex assignments.
• Identify an area where the student can go to calm themselves and regroup.

There is much more we can recommend as far as school accommodations go. After all, we are experts at teaching children with NVLD. Between parental support at home, our support from our learning programs, and a rock-solid learning plan from the school, any child with NVLD will be able to thrive. Contact us today to see how we can help!