My daughter, who is now 22 and a college student, was diagnosed with NVLD at age 9. The testing, which resulted in her diagnosis, was initiated because of concerns over her behavioral and academic challenges. My husband and I did not know what to make of her frequent meltdowns, fears, panic attacks, problems with transitions and difficulties with writing, math and making friends until we were told that she had NVLD. At that time, very few teachers knew or understood NVLD. Although she attended schools that helped her complete elementary and high school, I believe that she is smarter and more capable than the programs that she has had to attend because mainstream schools were too much of a challenge. However, for two years she did successfully attend a public high school and took honors classes, but by junior year the pressure was really intense and she was unable to pass the Algebra I state mandated test. I then took her out of state to attend a school that specialized in teaching kids with NVLD. School placement has been an incredible struggle!
We are very happy to have discovered The NVLD Project and hope that the research being done will mean that a distinct diagnosis in the DSM will be recognized and that more interventions will be available. My biggest concern for her now, is what happens after college? She still struggles with social interactions and I would appreciate knowing what further interventions can be provided in this area.
Right now we are also focused on making sure that she can lead an independent life and have a professional life. She is a Computer Information Systems (CIS) major and Gaming minor. The college she attends is specifically for students with learning differences (ASD, ADHD, LD). She has done very well there but I still worry that her needs are not being addressed particularly for visual-spatial processing which is at the core of NVLD.
Esther
For the past 25 years, I have worked as a communication skills trainer helping individuals and small groups to better represent themselves with enhanced communication skills. Prior to that I was an educator in the public schools for five years, but returned to school to complete a masters degree in linguistics. I am now working as a language consultant and identifying new areas to pursue in writing and speaking. In addition to my daughter, I have a son who is 27.
I realize now how much time and attention I have had to devote to my daughter’s special needs. It has been a preoccupation that has been difficult for each member of our family in different ways. I’m happy to learn about The NVLD Project and hope that they will be able to help families like mine.
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