One of the hardest things about a Non-Verbal Learning Disability is that obstacles can show up at different times throughout your life. It can truly make you feel like overcoming them is impossible. However, I know through personal experiences that with the right support, perseverance, and self-determination anything is possible.
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Often when we think of learning disabilities we think of the personal effects they have in an academic setting. Since many with an NLVD have motor skills deficits, even classes such as art and technology can be a big challenge for NVLD students. They often feel they need to work twice as hard and fast just to keep up with their peers. For most, taking an elective is fun, however for those with a NVLD elective classes can be a challenge.
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I grew up believing that it was important to be making eye contact with people when you talked with them, so I willed myself to do it. That’s what I observed from other people and that’s how people interacted with me, so that’s what I was determined to do. There were rules to be followed and structure to guide me. I was so adamant to not stand out or make myself appear to be different, I used to tell myself to do it while I would be talking to somebody: ‘eye contact, eye contact, eye contact.’ Read More
While inclusion is normal in the classroom for students with an Non-Verbal Learning Disability, inclusion is rare when it comes to special recognition and awards ceremonies. Since NVLD students struggle in multiple areas they tend to be left out of special recognition ceremonies. I feel teachers and coaches push students to work hard daily so there should be more recognition for the hardest workers and not just the high achievers.
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You’ve heard of the sixth sense right? I’d like to think of my NVLD as giving me a similar sense, the gift of auditory memory. I’m not sure when I discovered my auditory gift. Perhaps when I was sitting in my college lecture, and listening to my professor recall all the important items that would be on the final exam. When I went to write my exam, I just closed my eyes and I could hear my professor’s voice recite the same lecture over again. It was as if a live podcast was being replayed. I ended up getting an A by the way on that exam!
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Hello, My name is Dan and when I was a senior in High School, way back in 2004, I was tested and diagnosed with a Non Verbal Learning Disability and Central Auditory Processing Disorder. By that time I had developed a lot of coping mechanisms and strategies just on my own to manage. My mother was a speech pathologist and tried to guide me through the IEP process but by that time it was kind of a moot point. I didn’t really feel comfortable with accommodations and for a long time I would deal with feelings of denial and doubt about my diagnosis.
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As time has gone by I have often heard stories about NVLD individuals lacking meaningful adult and peer support. I strongly believe this happens because families think it is better to do the journey alone which I believe is a real mistake as support is vital for success. For me personally I was fortunate that Patty Bell, my speech therapist right away took a tremendous interest in me much like my coach, Jim Adams, whom I wrote about in Part 1.
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Nonverbal Learning Disability. It’s also known as Nonverbal Learning Disorder, and I think that would be my preference if I had to pick between the two because I feel like it better describes what’s going on in my head.
Disorder.
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“A mentor is someone that allows you to see the hope inside yourself.” – Oprah Winfrey
I’m inspired and motivated to write this article to thank my K-12 educators, former supervisors and mentors as I believe it is important to recognize and thank individuals while you are able. Life can change fast and acknowledging those who have an impact on your life is so crucial.
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Growing up with a Non-Verbal Learning Disability leads to many challenges. One of the most common challenges is finding an advocate(s)/support team to help you because there is a major gap between your strengths and weaknesses along with additional social and communication challenges. Due to these deficits you may be underestimated or labeled as lazy and rude. Unfortunately due to this, the individual may send the message they just want to be on their own however the truth is in most cases they want and need an advocate.
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