While Non-Verbal Learning Disability is a Learning Disability and it’s not part of the Autistic spectrum, there are a few similarities between the two disabilities. The two most common similarities are social skills and coping with change difficulties. As a result, some students qualify to apply to comprehensive support programs for students on the Autistic Spectrum too. Given that some students with an NVLD need Social Communication Support too, which is included in Autistic Spectrum support programs. Just like some autistic students qualify for admission to learning disability support programs due to academic difficulties. So in this piece, I will discuss a few of the great programs. Read More
In my last two pieces, I discussed the different post-secondary options for students with an NVLD and other disabilities. Now I will discuss what is needed to help you gain admission to the comprehensive support programs at colleges like Curry and Dean College.
The first thing you need to do is to take as many of the regular courses as possible when starting high school while being realistic about your disability too. For example, for a student with an NVLD, taking a lower level of Math would be understandable, as spatial skills are often the biggest weaknesses for those with an NVLD. However, taking the lower level of History would likely be viewed as negative, as so much of the subject is memorizing facts, and that’s a strength for students with an NVLD, so you should be showing your ability, not disability, here. In my personal experience, working at the Dean and Curry College Open houses and having a father who is a school counselor, this is a big reason for rejection, as colleges can question your ability to overcome obstacles. Read More
In my previous piece, I discussed the different types of transition and postgraduate programs for students with an NVLD and other disabilities. Now I will discuss the different college possibilities, as each college offers different levels of support and values inclusion differently. So hopefully the examples I share will help you understand the different options for students with an NVLD and other learning disabilities. Read More
While preparing for life after high school is a big decision for all seniors, it is even harder for students with NVLD and other learning disabilities. Given that colleges do not provide equal amounts of support and not every college is equally inclusive, these students have a harder time choosing the place for themselves. In addition, not every student is ready to start a traditional college curriculum and would be a better candidate for a residential transition program. So in this piece, I will discuss how and where students with NVLD and similar disabilities experience great post-secondary success. Read More
It’s no secret that I am a true believer that each inclusion decision should be individualized, as every student has different overall needs. However, I am also realistic that for each decision to be completely successful both inside and outside of the classroom, the proper support is so helpful. So in this piece, I will discuss the different forms of inclusion options for students with an NVLD and other Learning Disabilities. Read More
I was diagnosed with NVLD at 26, just months after earning my Master’s degree. Although the diagnosis wasn’t surprising, it was bittersweet. For years, I blamed myself for struggling with math, visual-spatial tasks, executive functioning, and social communication despite working twice as hard as everyone else just to feel drained. Read More
People judge what they can see.
They see whether I have a job.
Whether I smile.
Whether I make eye contact.
Whether I appear calm.
Whether I “fit in.” Read More
Existing in an ableist world as a teenager with NVLD can be exhausting. Growing up, I often felt like an outsider looking in and struggled to find a sense of belonging. I didn’t quite fit into certain friend circles. I tended to heavily mask to survive the unwritten social code that existed within high school. I often felt like a fish out of water. I knew I was different, yet I didn’t quite understand why. Read More
Alright, good morning everybody. Happy Friday, or maybe it’s Saturday, depending on when you’re listening to this. I know it’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve done an episode.
I was juggling a lot of things and couldn’t find time to do one, so I decided to do one today. You know what, instead of me just promoting Etsy verbally, I’m gonna go grab a couple of items from the shop so you guys can actually see them. I’ll be right back. So this is an example of one of them.
These are the little toys I’ve been knitting lately. This is another one,e and then this is another one. I know they don’t look perfect, but I don’t think anything really does look perfect in the end, and from me, knitting is a little challenging because of my NVLD and my other learning differences, so I just do the best I can whenever I knit something. Read More
Growing up with an older sister who excelled in everything and held multiple leadership roles such as being a class officer made me inspired to overcome as much as I could as I wanted to be able to have some of the same experiences she did. This was largely influenced by our parents placing a strong value on us to always do our best and to be connected within our school and community, yet we’re fully aware that our overall results would be different. So in this piece I will discuss the importance of having similar expectations and goals for all of your children. While it may seem hard it will help reduce tension within your family life.
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