In 2021, I struggled to learn to drive with Non Verbal Learning Disability (NVLD). Despite passing the written test, my brain struggled to translate written concepts into physical actions while driving. Coordinating the pedals, steering, mirrors, and spatial awareness felt overwhelming. Read More
Growing up with undiagnosed NVLD and ADHD was deeply challenging. While a few teachers were supportive, most students did not recognize my struggles, and I often felt ostracized within school social structures—from elementary school through high school. Because my learning disabilities were not diagnosed until my sophomore year, many teachers approached me with preconceived notions, labeling my difficulties with listening, following directions, interpreting nonverbal cues, and fine motor tasks as me being “difficult” or a “challenge,” rather than recognizing that I needed additional support. Read More
After years of struggling in life, struggles finding work that I could do (adequately), struggles in housing and homelessness, not being able to learn how to drive-despite much effort and hard work I knew enough was enough. That my inability to do these things-which are pretty much required to live a decent life, have a career and be self-sufficient- was not my fault and I wasn’t lazy or unmotivated but must have an undiagnosed disability. Read More
Growing up with only one sibling who excelled in everything was both difficult and highly rewarding. So in this piece, I will share the positives and negatives. As deep down I know, in the end, it gave me a much brighter future.
For example, right away, I decided to stay in sports despite having gross motor skills deficits. This was a surprise to many as most thought based on my deficits I needed to do the manager route. However, by attending my sister’s athletic events, I understood if I wasn’t in sports I would miss out on so much. This led me to challenge myself, and at times I did think the doubters were right. Fortunately I learned rather quickly that by being in athletics, you can meet great friends and mentors. What was special about this was that both me and my sister I received multiple awards during our athletic careers and without wanting to keep with her I wouldn’t have had these very positive experiences. Read More
As of September 2025, I will celebrate a milestone I never expected to have as a neurodivergent individual, especially one considered ‘twice exceptional’ such as myself.
I am celebrating 10 years of working with my organization.
A decade of continuous employment with the same people. In an era of job hopping and losses, of lockdowns and bankruptcies and shortages and tariffs, I’ve stayed and grown. I’ve been stable. I finished graduate school, was elected to multiple boards, and started a family. Read More
You know those backroads out in the country your grandparents used to take?
Well, welcome to living with NVLD. Our lives consist of a daily commute on those backroads. We see things differently than most in terms of getting to the finish line; backroads are the route we take. My struggle is with anxiety, something a lot of people with NVLD suffer from. Backroads typically consist of a lot of turns and hills. My anxiety comes from not being able to see around and/or past those turns and hills. Read More
Hi everyone, and welcome back, the podcast where we explore life through the lens of authenticity, resilience, and self-compassion.
Today’s episode is called “Being Neurodivergent and Self-Partnering: What It Is and Why It Matters.”
If you’ve ever felt like you move through the world just a little differently—or maybe a lot differently—this episode is especially for you. And if you’ve ever struggled with invisible learning challenges or the weight of trying to “pass” as neurotypical, you are not alone. Read More
Growing up with an NVLD in a rural area brought many positives, such as being blessed with incredible support. Yet it had its difficulties too. So in this piece, I will discuss both the positives and negatives of living in a small and lower-income community. Read More
I have quite a lot in common with Gus Walz, the son of the former vice presidential nominee, Tim Walz.
Like Gus, I’m the second born in a white, middle-class, Midwestern family. I also come from a family of educators and passionate community organizers. I’m tall and have wavy hair, too.
I also have a non-verbal learning disorder (NVLD), just like Gus Walz. Read More
I don’t care what anyone else says: the late 90’s were fun.
Celestial stuff was everywhere. We’re talking giant suns, weird moons, glow-in-the-dark stars on all of our ceilings. Mystical stuff was neat, Lilith Fair was the hot concert ticket to have, Sarah Mclachlan was on the radio and Loreena McKinnett had just released The Mummer’s Dance. Life for the offbeat was good…even if you got teased for it. Like I did. Read More
