NLD: What is it? |
Nonverbal communication: any communication that doesn't express language directly, but often augments it, including facial expressions, gestures, body posture, and speaking distance. MORE THAN 75% OF ALL COMMUNICATION IS CONVEYED NONVERBALLY.
A nonverbal learning difference is a neurological dysfunction of the right hemisphere of the brain. It is usually identified by significant discrepancies between performance IQ scores and verbal IQ scores. NLD can be much more devastating than language-based learning differences (such as dyslexia) because the dysfunction impedes understanding and adaptive learning throughout the person's life.
The problems experienced by students with NLD in understanding social situations, integrating novel information, and learning from experiences suggests a dysfunction of the neural connections between the right and left hemispheres of the brain. The name NLD is actually misleading, and unfortunate, as the difficulties experienced are not simply nonverbal, and their scope goes far beyond the problems involved in a learning difference. NLD is a neurological dysfunction in the way in which the brain processes information.
As with most learning differences and neurological disorders, NLD covers a broad continuum from mild to severe, with no two students showing identical behaviors. In its most severe form, the functional presentation of the difference is virtually indistinguishable from Asperger's syndrome and high-functioning Autism. It is the student with a milder form who may be perplexing to school personnel. When professionals lack an understanding of the disorder, they may see a student who is extremely capable in some ways and extremely difficult in others. Teachers may believe initially that the student is purposefully controlling or stubborn. Behaviors may easily be misinterpreted as oppositional or sarcastic. Ironically, students with NLD have deficits in the very areas that would make sarcasm possible, and they do not have the type and breadth of knowledge expected of students their age. Schools play such a crucial role in students' lives. Therefore, educators must seek to understand this learning difference and become skilled at how to help those who have it.
This learning difference consists of specific assets and deficits. The assets include early speech and vocabulary development, remarkable rote memory skills, attention to detail, early development of reading skills, excellent spelling skills, strong auditory retention and articulate verbal communication. The three categories of weakness that will present themselves are:
motoric --- a lack of coordination, balance problems, difficulties with fine motor skills impacted by sensori-motor issues
visual-spatial-organizational --- a lack of image, poor visual recall, faulty spatial perceptions, difficulties with spatial relations
social --- a lack of ability to comprehend nonverbal communication, difficulties adjusting to transitions and novel situations, significant deficits in social judgment and social interaction
There exists an urgency to identify, and serve, students with NLD because overestimating their abilities and making unrealistic demands can lead to ongoing emotional problems for this student. These students often develop generalized feelings of hopelessness resulting from inaccurate perceptions and interpretations which affect their judgments about the world around them and their interactions with other people. They will most likely receive more than their share of criticism, reprimands, teasing, ostracism and bullying for circumstances they can't help, without ever really understanding why. The student with NLD is particularly inclined towards withdrawal, panic attacks, anxiety, and depression which can lead to suicide. After years of embarrassing and unintentional social blunders, it's not too difficult to understand how a person with NLD could come to the conclusion that they just don't fit in.
A favorable prognosis for this student depends upon early identification and appropriate intervention. With appropriate intervention and ongoing support, the NLD student will thrive. They are intelligent, capable individuals who process information in a way that is just slightly "off" from what is deemed as normal. If time is taken to understand the way in which they learn, these students have much to teach us.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS DISORDER.
Common Characteristics of Nonverbal Learning Differences
Always remember that NLD covers a broad continuum from mild to severe, with no two students showing identical characteristics or behaviors.
- performance IQ significantly lower than verbal IQ
- early speech and vocabulary development
- remarkable rote memory skills
- attention to detail
- early reading skills development, excellent spelling skills
- express themselves eloquently
- lack of coordination
- severe balance problems
- difficulties with fine motor skills
- lack of image, poor visual recall
- faulty spatial perceptions
- difficulties with spatial relations
- lack of ability to comprehend nonverbal communication
- difficulties adjusting to transitions and new situations
- significant deficits in social judgment and interaction
Information compiled by the NLD Networking Group of Ontario
For more information about NLD visit www.NLDontario.org
To contact NLD Parent Networking Group of Ontario info@NLDontario.org
b. Lachman | August 17, 2008 at 9:06 pm - §
Wonderful site! Any thoughts about colleges or careers for an high functioning NLD young man? P.S. I worked at Towhee in 1970 or 71 !