Neurodiversity has increased my knowledge and understanding of the many overlaps between different diagnoses. Perhaps the hardest to distinguish are NVLD and autism. Their similarities should be appreciated, and people can identify with both. I also agree with efforts to dismantle a pernicious hierarchical structure that delineates between the supposed “higher functioning” labels, such as the now-defunct Asperger Syndrome, and autism. I can understand the concern that differentiating NVLD from autism could create a category of people who are “not quite autistic,” reinforcing the assumption that there is something “lower functioning” about autism. However, advocating for NVLD as a distinct diagnosis is not about creating an “autism light”; it is about recognizing a label and identity that truly resonate for many people who for too long have been invisible in the learning disability, mental health, and even neurodiversity nomenclature. It is about respect, being counted, and the autonomy to choose one’s identity. I welcome those with NVLD embracing autism if it feels right for them, but forcing it on us is an act of identity erasure.
NVLD and autism are both neurological differences, and there are some strong similarities and overlaps between them regarding social interactions, executive functioning, and difficulties with change. In fact, according to the autistic YouTube blogger Orion Kelly in his video “Nonverbal Learning Disorder Explained,” a 2019 study stated that 38 percent of autistic people had NVLD, and some neuroimaging research has concluded that there may be some shared neurological features involving social cognition (Kelly). Both conditions can have real-life impacts on making friends, keeping employment, sustaining relationships, and independent living. People with NVLD and autism can also miss social cues and find it difficult to adapt to group dynamics. With such a strong overlap, it easy to confuse the two, but having the right diagnosis is essential for receiving the best treatment (Brown, 2024). It is also important to embrace a diagnosis that reflects one’s identity and experience.
While there are many similarities between NVLD and autism, the visual spatial/verbal split is distinctive to NVLD and strongly differentiates it from autism. The most prominent features are the struggles with spatial reasoning in NVLD that are not necessarily seen in autism. Challenges processing visual spatial information can lead to difficulties with math, executive functioning, and fine motor skills (Dr. Margolis, 2020). While these traits may also exist in autism, they don’t necessarily stem from the same visual spatial deficits. Also, difficulties with motoric skills, which are present in both populations, stem from visual spatial organization in NVLD and sensory processing challenges with autism spectrum (Dr. Capanna-Hodge, 2023). In addition, autism may include alexithymia, or difficulties with verbalizing emotions, which is not usually present in people with NVLD. Also, people with NVLD have average to above average rote memory and verbal processing and communication skills, while autistic people may face deficits in these areas. Lastly, people with NVLD may be more aware of social conventions, even if they struggle to process nonverbal communication (Kelly). The salience of the discrepancy between visual spatial and verbal skills in NVLD is present in a variety of domains. One 2013 study concluded that while executive functioning deficits are present in both autism (referred to as Asperger Syndrome in this study) and NVLD, visual spatial deficits contribute to executive functioning challenges among those with NVLD in contrast to weaknesses in cognitive flexibility that are more prevalent among those with autism (Semrud-Clikeman, 2013). Lastly, even though both groups share “special interests,” or areas of intense focus and personal enjoyment, people with NVLD may focus on areas that play to their rote memory and verbal strengths, such as history or baseball statistics, while those with autism may have a greater variety of special interests that may include 3D design, computer graphics, and drawing.
The visual spatial challenges in NVLD have real life implications. The most recent example from my own experience is when I went on a camping trip last year and struggled to set up my tent; no matter how many times my camping partner showed me, I couldn’t get it. I have also gotten lost, struggled with handwriting, and missed nonverbal cues. Like many people with NVLD, I relish all my neurodivergent friendships, but I always feel I had the most in common with those with the visual spatial and fine motor skill challenges that I face. The occupational and educational therapy, as well the accommodations I received, were based on my specific diagnosis, which may not have been possible if I had been misdiagnosed; even though I never received an official NVLD diagnosis until I was twenty-five, the visual spatial split was recognized early on. Like many people with NVLD, I crave the accommodations, community, visibility, and representation that so many other neurodivergent people have fought for.
I hope there will come a day when we too are embraced under the umbrella of neurodiversity as a distinct, unique, and sometimes gifted group of people with our own needs. Until that day comes, we continue to fight for the recognition we deserve.
Bibliography
Brown, J. (2024, October 16). Nonverbal Learning Disabilities: NVLD vs Autism. Retrieved from Autism Parenting Magazine: https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/nvld-vs-autism/
Dr. Capanna-Hodge, R. (2023, December 25). NVLD vs. Autism: Decoding Neurodevelopmental Differences. Retrieved from Dr. roseann Calm Brain/Happy Family: https://drroseann.com/nvld-vs-autism/
Dr. Margolis, A. (2020, April 27). Visual-Spatial Learning Disorder Is More Common Than Thought, Finds Study. Retrieved from Columbia Univeristy Department of Psychiatry: https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/news/visual-spatial-learning-disorder-more-common-thought-finds-study#:~:text=Instead%2C%20children%20with%20NVLD%20have%20difficulty%20processing,with%20Legos%2C%E2%80%9D%20says%20lead%20author%20Amy%20E.
Kelly, O. (n.d.). Nonverbal learning Disorder Explained (video). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_KK8vt5KLg
Semrud-Clikeman, M. F. (2013, June 29). Comparison Among Children with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Nonverbal Learning Disorder and Typically Developing Children on Measures of Executive Functioning. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorder , 44, 331-342. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-013-1871-2
Benjamin Meyer, LCSW
I am a bilingual psychotherapist and executive functioning coach who specializes in working with young adults with NVLD, and I was inspired by my personal experience to help those I work with to transition to the professional and social demands of adult life. I believe that each person is unique, and that we are more than just our labels and diagnosis. I am a Project Social Ambassador for The NVLD Project.
