Living with NVLD and ADHD can feel overwhelming—especially when executive functioning makes time management, organization, and flexibility so hard. But before I let myself spiral into frustration or fear, I remind myself of something important: the information I’ve learned about NVLD and ADHD is a tool, not a sentence. Read More
I’m 75 years old and was diagnosed with NVLD six years ago. Going through school there was always a discrepancy between my verbal and math/science grades. Because having trouble in math wasn’t viewed as unusual in a girl it wasn’t a big deal until I started to apply to college. My high 600 in math SAT didn’t compensate for the 400 in math. However, any academic issues I had were mild in comparison to my work problems. I couldn’t coordinate the various parts of my jobs and my poor self-esteem was made worse by my inability to make enough to support myself. I was fortunate that I found a vocation that fit me 12 years before I retired at 70. Better late than never. Read More
Growing up while I was blessed with an incredible support team I faced a few more challenges compared to others with disabilities. One of the reasons for that was that NVLD is a very misunderstood disability so not everyone was really sure what my exact difficulties were. This led to me being underestimated at times which caused some self-esteem issues. So in this piece, I will discuss the ups and downs that can come with an NVLD and how to make things better. Read More
I have always wondered as a child why I was different from others and struggled to be a part of everyone else world having to face day-to-day tasks at school and home with no support or help from SEN teams. My mother who wanted answers and help would consistently ask for help or support from many people in the sectors to help me never got any response or simply had no interest in assessing me. It went on for many years until high school and a noisy, busy, and crowded classroom full of neurotypical teenagers was my nightmare. Read More
I was diagnosed with NVLD when I was either 22 or 24. I am now almost 53 years of age. There was very little explained to me about the diagnosis at that time, I knew that I had challenges but I had no family support and there was no one in the medical community at that time and still to this day that will aid me in comprehensive understanding of how to live with this neurodiverse condition and work with it as well. Read More
I’ve posted before, back at the start of my journey post ‘diagnosis’ of being NVLD. One thing is to note, it is a journey – I was pleased initially to have an explanation of my challenges, and then later became frustrated as I realized the day will never come when I can play chess or win an argument. Read More
If we choose to focus on everything a child cannot do, we fail to recognize their gifts. The educational system had a way of reflecting all of my weaknesses. But as a child, the library and books became my sanctuary-a quiet place to escape the noise and step into magical worlds filled with fairies and fantasy. Read More
Neurodiversity has increased my knowledge and understanding of the many overlaps between different diagnoses. Perhaps the hardest to distinguish are NVLD and autism. Their similarities should be appreciated, and people can identify with both. I also agree with efforts to dismantle a pernicious hierarchical structure that delineates between the supposed “higher functioning” labels, such as the now-defunct Asperger Syndrome, and autism. I can understand the concern that differentiating NVLD from autism could create a category of people who are “not quite autistic,” reinforcing the assumption that there is something “lower functioning” about autism. However, advocating for NVLD as a distinct diagnosis is not about creating an “autism light”; it is about recognizing a label and identity that truly resonate for many people who for too long have been invisible in the learning disability, mental health, and even neurodiversity nomenclature. It is about respect, being counted, and the autonomy to choose one’s identity. I welcome those with NVLD embracing autism if it feels right for them, but forcing it on us is an act of identity erasure. Read More
It’s no secret that I am a huge believer in inclusion in all parts of school life. Therefore I often notice mistakes that are made in all parts of the inclusion process during and after high school more than others. I understand each decision is made with good intentions as no one ever wants to see students fail, however, many students I believe could be having more in their inclusion experiences. Read More
The working world can be tricky when you have NVLD! Having now formally disclosed, in my working environment as a SEN teacher, it’s like a window has finally opened and the support around me has been immense! I’m so thankful that I have the most amazing support, with an NVLD coach, regular check-ins with my manager, proofreader, and voice-to-text technology. I hope all employees with NVLD can have access to all the job requirements they can get, in order for them to do their jobs with joy and as stress-free as possible. Read More