Your 12-year-old son studied for his history test and memorized all the dates. He knew the facts inside and out. After school, he tells you that he didn’t do well. One of the test questions included a map of the Thirteen Colonies. He says the graphic confused him.
A child who does well with written or spoken information but struggles when the same information is presented in a visual format may have Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD). NVLD can affect academic and social progress in many ways. However, schools can also take steps to help.
This article explains what Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD) is and how it impacts academic performance. It also explains how to get support for students with this condition. Finally, it explains how one of New York City’s therapeutic schools can help.
What Is Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD)?
Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD), also known as Nonverbal Learning Disability, doesn’t mean a child is nonverbal. Rather, NVLD is a neurological issue that affects the brain’s ability to process nonverbal information, specifically, visual-spatial information. A picture is an example of visual-spatial information. Other examples include:
- Illustrations
- Diagrams
- Charts
- Maps
- Number lines
- Geometric figures
- Timelines
- Tables
According to the Child Mind Institute, “visual-spatial processing involves the brain’s ability to interpret and respond to visual input, including where things are in space.” This has nothing to do with eyesight. Rather, visual-spatial processing helps a person interpret a graph, use a map, find a pattern, and much more. However, a person with NVLD may struggle to do these things.
Not knowing where things are in space affects how a person moves through their environment. So, NVLD can affect a person’s depth perception, directional skills (e.g., knowing left from right), ability to judge size and scale, and more.
Finally, NVLD affects social relationships. Nonverbal actions, such as facial expressions, body language, tone, and context, send messages. Standing close to a group of people, smiling, and maintaining a relaxed posture signals friendship. But standing apart from the group with crossed arms and a frown demonstrates something else. The inability to notice these subtle cues creates a social disadvantage for people with NVLD, as they may miss sarcasm and other signals.
How Does Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD) Show Up in Children?
Generally, children with NVLD have strong verbal skills. They are usually talkative and strong readers. They also tend to be good at memorizing verbal information. Yet, they still struggle with visual-spatial processing in various ways, including:
- Difficulty problem-solving
- Trouble interpreting charts, graphs, diagrams, and similar information
- Messy math homework, particularly misaligned numbers
- Difficulty with geometry and shapes
- Frequently makes errors when asked to copy from the board
- Difficulty fitting in socially
- Clumsiness
- Regularly bumping into walls or other items
While signs of NVLD can appear at any age, symptoms tend to be more prevalent in middle school. Academically, more complex information is being introduced. Also, instead of just one teacher, students usually switch between multiple classrooms and expectations for the first time. This puts more strain on their brains and executive functioning skills. At the same time, social relationships become more complicated.
Parents should remember that NVLD issues are not related to a lack of intelligence or motivation. Rather, they are something that your child cannot control but can navigate with help.
Can I Get an IEP for My Child’s Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD)?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that requires schools to support children with disabilities. Students who qualify for services under the IDEA are given an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP outlines the changes the school and teacher need to make to help your student learn effectively.
Parents may think that to get an IEP, a child must have a disability that is listed in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-5. This is not the case. To get an IEP, students must have a disability that fits into one of 13 categories of disabilities. Some of these categories – such as autism – are listed in the DSM-5, but others are not. So, the law matters more than inclusion in the DSM-5.
NVLD is not listed in the DSM-5. Also, unlike autism, it is not listed by name as one of the IDEA’s 13 categories. However, parents can still use certain categories in the IDEA – particularly Other Health Impairment or Specific Learning Disability to get help for a child with NVLD.
If you suspect that your child has NVLD and believe that they could benefit from an IEP, you’ll start the process by asking for a formal evaluation. In New York City, the evaluation process must be completed within 30 days of the day you consent to it. The evaluator will administer several tests to determine your child’s strengths and weaknesses. They will probably give you, your child’s other parent, and their teacher questionnaires to learn more information.
How Schools Can Help Children Who Have Nonverbal Learning Disorder
Every case of NVLD is different, but schools can do many things to help. Some useful modifications and accommodations include:
- Being explicit about expectations
- “Talking through” visual material
- Offering alternative assignments
- Showing students how to read visual material (e.g., maps) accurately
- Offering detailed checklists for each part of the school day
- Teaching social cues (e.g., sarcasm) directly
During the IEP or 504 Plan process, you’ll have the right to ask for these and other adjustments for your child. Once you get an IEP or 504 Plan, the school must comply.
However, traditional schools often have high student-teacher ratios. This reality, along with other factors, makes it difficult for them to fully address each child’s issues each school day. On the other hand, therapeutic schools have smaller class sizes, allowing teachers to give each student individualized attention. This increased awareness makes it easier to ensure compliance with the IEP and harder for students to fall through the cracks. Also, social coaching and redirection can happen immediately rather than hours or days later. Finally, while traditional schools incorporate social-emotional learning lessons when they can, therapeutic schools incorporate them into each school day.
If your child has NVLD and you think they might benefit from a therapeutic school placement, consider Academics West. We’re a therapeutic school in New York City that is dedicated to giving students the support they need to excel. You can learn more about us by visiting us virtually or in person. Call 212-580-0080 or use our booking tool to schedule your visit.
