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NVLD Bloggers

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Jan 27
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What it’s Like to be Me, by Olivia

By NVLD Bloggers

I did what no other writer should do: reread the beginning of a half-completed first draft and start editing it. I can imagine any author asking, “What were you thinking? Writer’s block?”

 Maybe… but I was more intimidated by my own words. 

There is never an easy way to explain Nonverbal Learning Disability—a term that makes me cringe as I type. Knowing, very well, the opinions–I mean “misconceptions”– it brings with its name. Most people see an outgoing, adventurous, creative person–that of which I am. Only, my impairment can make me look loud, oblivious, and defensive when somebody tells me I am yelling, they mean this instead of that, or that they were just being sarcastic.  Read More

Jan 25
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Living with NVLD, by Ryan

By NVLD Bloggers

My journey started when I came into this world by the lovely parents of Sam and Marica in 1985. My parents did not know what kind of kid they would get. Early on, I was a tough baby struggling with things. My parents did not know that later on their son would have a nonverbal learning disability. At the age of 5, I was tested and officially diagnosed with a nonverbal learning disability.  Read More

Jan 20
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House Cleaning and Reminiscing: Part 3, by Anna

By NVLD Bloggers

I read through my vocational assessment next. It expressed something that I have long known and still deal with whenever a job or manager change needs to occur in my life: “It is highly unlikely that any job would be completely free of difficulties due to the functional severity of some of her nonverbal weaknesses.” Ouch. But also… yes. Read More

Jan 18
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House Cleaning and Reminiscing: Part 2, by Anna

By NVLD Bloggers

13 years later, after a job loss during the recession I was trying to figure out what would be the best career change for me. Journalism was my college major, and was a good fit for my verbal and social skills, but the spelling issues and grammar recall challenges, due to my dysgraphia, left me concerned about my sustainability and marketability in the field of journalism and other heavy writing professions. Plus, the technology changes in the media industry were making it a harder option field to make a living. Read More

Jan 13
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Social Skills are Sometimes Built Through Trial and Error, by Kyle

By NVLD Bloggers

One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to learn is that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to making friends. It’s an art, not a science. When you’re trying to befriend someone, there aren’t any clear objectives to accomplish. And obviously there are no guaranteed outcomes. For me, trying to build friendships often felt like trying to play dodgeball with my eyes closed. Read More

Dec 29
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The Penny Dropped, by Polly

By NVLD Bloggers

I had the Wechsler test at uni when I was 50. I had been experiencing various difficulties on my social work course, ie getting lost (having difficulty locating my classroom), being easily overwhelmed, not being comfortable with the role play exercises etc.) and someone suggested I get tested for ADHD. My verbal score was 120 and my non-verbal (spatial/perceptual/processing speed etc) was low, a 30 point discrepancy.
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Dec 28
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What 2020 has Taught Me, by Eileen

By NVLD Bloggers

As 2020 is almost over, it has made me realize how important having strong personal relationships are to help you navigate life. Personally, I can’t imagine going through the pandemic without the wonderful connections I have. While this can be done, it is difficult for many with an NVLD. These times remind us how they are as important as gaining academic skills. Read More

Dec 24
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One of the Lucky Ones, by Danielle

By NVLD Bloggers

My name is Danielle and I am a 27 year old adult with a nonverbal learning disability. I was diagnosed in February of 1999, two weeks before my 6th birthday. At that time, not much was known about NVLD and it wasn’t that common, especially in girls. I am fortunate enough to have grown up just outside of Boston where we had access to world class doctors and specialists.
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