Does My Child Have NVLD?
posted on NVLD Project
For Parents
People with Non-Verbal Learning Disability (NVLD) have trouble understanding spatial concepts, but have good language skills. NVLD impairs a person’s life skills and affects his or her social, academic, professional and emotional experiences.
The NVLD Project is a nonprofit organization that aims to establish NVLD as an official diagnosis and raise awareness of the disability. Through our research at Columbia University, the University of Southern California, and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles we are seeking to define NVLD as a valid and distinct diagnosis. This will allow people with NVLD to receive accurate assessment, appropriate education, and supportive interventions.
How Do I know If My Child Has NVLD?
It is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. NVLD affects aspects of school performance and the development of social skills, including the ability to form meaningful friendships.
Please take a look at the questions below. If you answer “yes” to the first question and some of the others, and/or if these descriptions “feel” like your child, we recommend you speak to a professional who is knowledgeable about NVLD, such as a child psychiatrist, neuropsychologist, developmental psychologist, school psychologist or learning specialist.
Does your child have poor spatial skills, such as difficulty building with blocks, but strong language abilities, such as a good vocabulary?
Poor spatial skills paired with good language skills is the essential feature required for a diagnosis of NVLD.
Additional features often occur in children with NVLD:
Does your child…
- Have an easy time recalling facts and details, but trouble grasping the “big picture” or main idea when they read a story or see a movie?
- Have poor handwriting, difficulty tying their shoelaces, or problems using utensils and small tools?
- Often seem “spacey”?
- Have difficulty understanding humor or sarcasm?
- Lack meaningful friendships, despite craving them?
- Have trouble dealing with new situations?