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The Hidden Traits of NVLD: Why Do Highly Oral People Struggle in Mathematics and Social Affairs?
Nonverbal learning disorder (NVLD or NLD) is a proposed neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by core deficits in nonverbal skills, particularly visuospatial processing. Although these patients have normal or excellent verbal intelligence, their nonverbal intelligence is markedly low. Although the current review literature has proposed some diagnostic criteria, the consistency of these criteria remains controversial, and NVLD is not officially recognized in the current fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual.
Nonverbal learning disabilities are characterized by intact abilities in verbal intelligence, but marked deficits in visual construction, speech-prosodic ability, fine motor coordination, mathematical reasoning, visuospatial memory, and social skills.
Signs and symptoms of NVLD
NVLD, a disorder with a neurological basis, often displays deficits in a variety of nonverbal abilities. For example, these people often have trouble understanding diagrams, reading maps, or have difficulty doing jigsaw puzzles. Especially for young children, it may take longer than normal to learn how to tie their shoes or ride a bicycle. Early in school, these children struggle with tasks requiring eye-hand coordination but excel when learning language content such as spelling and reading.
"In this example, the child's inability to learn the meaning of other people's actions demonstrates a deficit in social perception. He is unable to understand the meaning of basic nonverbal aspects of daily life, although his verbal intelligence level is in the normal range or above. ."
As adolescence approaches, academic demands become more abstract, making time management, organization, and social interactions increasingly difficult for people with NVLD. They tend to focus on details and have difficulty summarizing information or integrating ideas into complete concepts. As for adulthood, driving or navigating unknown places may become more difficult. In addition, the ability to properly manage responsibilities and social interactions can also affect job performance.
Causes of NVLD
Research shows that NVLD is associated with imbalances in neural activity in the right hemisphere of the brain, which may be related to the development of white matter. Many subnormal nonverbal skills, as well as current clinical phenomena, often require specific diagnoses. These symptoms may overlap with a variety of conditions, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, and social communication disorders.
Diagnostic issues that occurred
When experts discuss other diagnoses that share symptoms with NVLD, particularly autism, formerly known as Asperger syndrome, the extent of the overlap raises concerns. Diagnostic criteria for autism do not include the repetitive behaviors or narrow thematic interests noted in NVLD. Therefore, some experts believe that in some cases, the diagnostic condition of ADHD should be more appropriately classified as NVLD.
Historical background of NVLD
Although distinct nonverbal learning difficulties have been recognized in early studies in child neurology, there remains ongoing debate as to whether and to what extent NVLD provides a valid diagnostic framework. As early as 1967, some scholars proposed the category of "non-verbal disability", which mainly focused on the issue of non-verbal learning. Over time, experts in the field have developed a set of concepts about NVLD to varying degrees, but are still looking for a more specific definition method.
“Understanding and explaining nonverbal learning disabilities allows us to delve deeper into the challenges these patients may face in their lives.”
Clinical professionals and parents should pay more attention to the subtle features of this disorder so that they can provide patients with the timely support and guidance they need. So, do you think the existing diagnostic criteria do justice to the unique needs of each person with a nonverbal learning disability?
