It wasn’t until recently that I learned that I was never properly tested for ADHD. It always felt like everyone around me was performing except me. I was diagnosed with several psychiatric disorders but the one diagnosis that stood out to me the most was NVLD.
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While it is no secret that I am a true believer of full inclusion in individual sports I am realistic and understand this can be difficult. Some difficulties have a negative effect on others involved so I get how it doesn’t work for everyone and how it can do more harm than good. However in the end I do believe everyone deserves a chance to experience inclusion in sports.
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Over the years I think about my journey overcoming an NVLD and what continues to come to mind is how my coaches were the ones who always supported me no matter how hard things became. Honestly when I was entering high school my social communication deficits became a real issue. Regretfully this triggered severe stubborn behaviors which caused me to talk back to some of my teachers. This resulted in some teachers not seeing the true me. My coaches though always understood me and helped me cope with my difficulties. Read More
Over the years I have been asked how I managed to be a three season runner and more importantly to be so respected by everyone despite having an NVLD and a Seizure Disorder. What comes to mind is how my coach, Penny, was so welcoming to me on the Varsity Winter and Spring track teams. She never treated me differently than my other teammates and through this Canton’s coach, John, and other runners became close to me as well. By being so accepted and valued I thrived as an athlete and as a person therefore I greatly believe being part of a team shouldn’t be so rare for someone with an NVLD. Read More
While there are several excellent colleges that have structured learning support programs for students with an NVLD and other learning disabilities, many who could greatly benefit from these programs get rejected from them. I believe a common reason for rejection is because the students don’t take enough challenging courses and their application doesn’t include enough non-academic activities. I believe one of the reasons for this is school counselors and resource room teachers don’t think the extra pressure this puts on students is necessary which through my own personal experience I know this isn’t true.
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Looking back, I remember the difficulty I had making and keeping friends. I remember the challenges I had in various social situations as well. Despite all of the quirks, I spent so much time trying desperately to change myself in one way or another. I would change the way I was dressed to blend in with various social groups, however my social skills (or lack there of) would give me away and they would soon discover that I was not who I was trying to be. Read More
2022 started at an all time low for me. I’ve had many lows over my young adult years with mental health and illness (I am now 27 years old), but things didn’t truly start to change for me until I hit the deepest of rock bottoms. I was hating myself, driven to a mental health crisis that ultimately landed me in the hospital for a week. However, this isn’t a sad story. No. This story is one of resilience and triumph, and I hope that it helps someone else.
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I am 36 and was diagnosed with NVLD at 11. I have just recently retrained as a French and Spanish teacher, having worked previously for the UN and the private sector. I find working within a structure of a school (fixed timetable, holidays) best supports my NVLD and having a mentor to check in with too. After all these years I am still coming to terms with having NVLD and getting the support I need within a working context.
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My name is Daniel and I am a 22-year-old living with NVLD. This diagnosis is under the ASD umbrella.
NVLD has been a constant in my life and was detected when I was 10 years old and in 5th grade. My case of NVLD is quite interesting, I am above average with my conversation skills though my not understanding of non-verbal social cues is a challenge for me it is something I’m working to overcome. An interesting fact is that my reading skill is above average for people my age.
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