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
When people hear my nice accent in a foreign language, they naturally assume I am fluent. But my language-learning journey reveals a very different reality: smooth pronunciation often hides struggles. As long as I can remember, even back in middle school, I made more progress in class than in immersion. Read More
I first noticed that I was different in preschool when the other students had no problem working jigsaw problems, while I struggled with them. This surprised me because I was better than them at most activities. My Kindergarten report card noted that I still couldn’t tie my shoelaces. On the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, my answer for all of the rotated figure problems was “none of the above”. I always get lost easily. If I am by myself in an unknown area, I am helpless. Read More
One of my biggest frustrations has always been how IEP teams don’t encourage students with an NVLD and similar disabilities, such as Autism and Dyspraxia, to join school or community sports teams. Sports can bring many challenges for individuals who have gross motor skills; however, I truly believe that the incredible benefits that can be gained far outweigh any negatives. Being part of a team leads to having incredible mentors and building strong friendships, given how you spend so much time working together during your athletic seasons. So in this piece I will discuss the remarkable positives of being part of a sports team and the how difficulties help you grow. Read More
In elementary school, chocolate milk was the ultimate reward. Whenever we did well on a test, the teacher would hand out those little packets of powder to mix into a small milk carton. My friends would rush, stirring their spoons with excitement, drinking this magic drink. I would just sit there, puzzled, staring at the milk. I would taste it, and it was awful—gritty, strange, earthy with clumps of undissolved powder floating at the top. I couldn’t understand what was going on. Why was everyone smiling? Read More
Living with NVLD (Nonverbal Learning Disorder) has shaped many of my social experiences, especially when it comes to relationships, rejection, and trying to connect with others. One of the hardest lessons I have had to learn is that not everyone will understand me, accept me, or want to be close to me. For a long time, I took rejection very personally, especially from family members and in friendships. I often believed that if people disliked me or pulled away, it meant there was something wrong with me. Over time, I have started learning that rejection is painful, but it does not define my worth as a person. Read More
Ever since I was young, I have had difficulty making friends and maintaining relationships. This is because I often get confused with people’s facial expressions, social expectations, and societal rules. This has gotten me into a lot of trouble throughout my life, including suspensions, messy breakups, and social isolation. Because there has been little understanding and support for NVLD, I experienced ableism which lead to depression. As an adult, I struggle to live alone because there have been little to no supports for my needs. Read More
One of the things that you continue to read about is how students with an NVLD and other learning disabilities are at great risk of having very low self-esteem. This is especially the case if they have more than just academic deficits. In my personal opinion, social media has made it worse, and at times, it’s the adults’ fault, which I know they don’t mean to cause hurt. So in this piece, I will list some of the examples to help make it more positive for everyone.
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In my previous piece, I discussed my personal frustrations with what many believed students with an NVLD and similar disabilities aren’t able to do. This is truly so disappointing to me. I know, personally, these beliefs aren’t entirely true, as most things they can do are achieved by taking advantage of all the resources available to them and through their own determination and hard work. So now I will continue explaining the different examples and how to do them successfully. Setting limitations for these students is truly a mistake. Read More
My name is Leila, and I was diagnosed with NVLD when I was in fifth grade. Having NVLD has made it really hard for me to do a lot of things. I’ve struggled with math since I was a child, and I still can’t ride a bike like all my other friends. I cannot tell the difference between sarcasm and literal things, and it’s super frustrating to me when my friends don’t understand, or when I misinterpret what they say. It sometimes makes me feel too sensitive or disconnected from others. Read More
